For the law to be effective, it has to be implemented by the government, be respected by the citizens, and applied by the judicial bodies. Cultural settings or attitudes towards the law can impede implementation of an anti-FGM law.

Eva Komba: ''In my country, Kenya, the anti-FGM legislation is central in the response to the challenge of FGM. The law was supported by the establishment of the Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Board which gathers a wide range of police powers''.

Farzana Doctor: "It can be liberating to break the silence. I did this with validating friends and therapists who wanted to know my messy feelings and thoughts. They held space  for me while I processed my confusions, self-doubt and fears."

Modou Lamin Davies: "Growing up in my community, I learnt to catcall women. Sometimes, adult men would send me to tell off women who ignored their advances or refused to obey their instructions. I remember thinking how strange it was to learn that at such an age. However, transitioning from primary to junior school I learnt more about masculinity and expectations on young adolescents."