Bernadette Loloju Honored at DIAR Awards for Bold Fight to End FGM by 2030
By Jeff Kizzilah/Digital Editor
CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya, Bernadette Loloju/photo
The CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya, Bernadette Loloju, has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and commitment to inclusivity at the 8th Diversity and Inclusion Awards & Recognition (DIAR Awards) held in Nairobi.
Loloju received the award for Most Inclusive Leadership, highlighting her relentless efforts in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and her dedication to uniting communities toward a common goal.
Speaking during the ceremony, Loloju reaffirmed her commitment to ending FGM in Kenya by the year 2030. She noted that while progress has been made, the practice still persists in some communities, often driven by deep-rooted cultural beliefs.
“Most of the time, it is women who bring their children forward for FGM. This shows the need for deeper community engagement and awareness,” she stated.
She further revealed that the Anti-FGM Board has been actively engaging elders from communities such as the Sabaot and Maasai, working collaboratively to shift mindsets and eliminate the harmful practice.
Loloju emphasized that her recognition at the DIAR Awards is a testament to the power of partnerships and collective action. “This award reflects the impact of bringing all stakeholders together — from government agencies to community leaders — in the fight against FGM,” she added.
The annual DIAR Awards celebrate individuals and organizations championing diversity, inclusion, and social transformation across Kenya. Loloju’s win underscores the growing national momentum toward protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls.
