Untouched

A human rights activist and advocate for the end of female genital mutilation, Nice Leng'ete is dedicated to making the world a better place for girls and women. *Untouched* is her inspiring life story, simultaneously a declaration of love for the Maasai culture and her homeland, and a search for new traditions.

Nice Leng'ete was born into a Maasai tribe in the small town of Kimana, Kenya, at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Her childhood was like that of so many other children born in rural areas: helping her mother with household chores, accompanying her father on visits, playing with her siblings. But a sinister shadow loomed over Nice's life.

Maasai culture believes that when a girl is ready to become a woman, she must undergo the ritual of cutting—in other words, undergo genital mutilation. The tradition spans generations, encompassing all the women in Nice's life, and she and her sister are expected to follow the same path. Besides the violence, undergoing the cutting means giving up education and a future other than marriage and motherhood.

Contrary to her community's expectations, Nice rebels, determined to pursue the destiny she desires for herself. Aware of the effects of mutilation on the women around her, Nice's mission becomes to try to ban the procedure, first in her village, and then wherever else she can make her voice heard.

Untouched is a beautiful portrait of a woman's struggle for women's rights, always seeking to preserve and respect the ancient traditions of her culture, but keeping in mind that the time for change is now.

“The inspiring biography of a human rights activist who dedicated her life to fighting female genital mutilation.” - Kirkus Reviews

“An elegant and inspiring biography of the woman who changed the minds of her elders, reformed traditions and is creating a better future for girls and women across Africa.” - The New York Times