When a Maasai girl is in her early teens, she participates in a series of rituals that lead to her becoming, in the eyes of the tribe, a woman. In one of those rituals (pictured below) her “girl” hair is shaved off so that her new “woman” hair can replace it. Another ritual still performed by some Maasai, though not by those in the photograph, is female circumcision. It’s a practice that is still performed in many African countries. One of the organizations trying to stop it is Amref…

To read this article and start a full year of unlimited online access, subscribe now!

Already a subscriber?

Need to register for your premium online access,
which is included with your paid subscription?

Support SSIR’s coverage of cross-sector solutions to global challenges. 
Help us further the reach of innovative ideas. Donate today.

Read more stories by Eric Nee.