Latest news with #InternationalDayofZeroToleranceforFGM
Zawya
06-02-2025
- General
- Zawya
Five years to zero: the Race to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2030
Joint statement by UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, Equality Now, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and The Eastern African Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM Fatuma was only ten when she overheard whispers about her 'special day.' In her village in Oromia, Ethiopia, the ritual was celebrated as a rite of passage, a moment that would define her future. But Fatuma's mother had different plans. Gripping her daughter's hand firmly, she walked silently for miles to a safe house where girls were protected from female genital mutilation (FGM). 'I wanted her to dream beyond our traditions, to go to school, to be free,' her mother said. Today, Fatuma is a university student, an advocate, and a voice for millions of girls who still face this harmful practice. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, alongside EASSI, Equality Now, GIZ, and partners, are calling for an end to FGM in all its forms once and for all. This year's theme, Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM, is a reminder that we must move collectively and rapidly to eliminate this grave violation of human rights. A persistent violation of rights FGM affects over 230 million women and girls worldwide, subjecting them to severe physical and psychological harm. In Eastern and Southern Africa alone, 42 million women and girls have undergone this harmful practice. While progress has been made—Ethiopia has reduced adolescent FGM rates from 68 per cent to 47 per cent in the last decade, and Kenya from 13 per cent to 9 per cent —but the numbers remain staggering. In Somalia, prevalence remains at 99 per cent. Ending FGM requires more than just policies and laws—it demands a movement. Governments, civil society organizations, including women's rights and youth groups, faith-based institutions, and the private sector must unite in unprecedented ways. As Mercy Yego Chelangat, Regional President for East and Southern Africa of the Global Youth Consortium Against FGM, powerfully states: 'When we join hands—whether across villages or borders—our collective effort becomes a movement that dismantles harmful practices and protects generations to come.' The role of national and regional task forces in fighting FGM is critical. Already, five countries —Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—have enacted laws, developed national action plans, and allocated budgets to tackle FGM. But we need harmonized cross-border responses, recognizing that FGM does not stop at national borders. The recent momentum behind the East African Community (EAC) Bill on FGM, supported by civil society and regional governments, is a critical step forward. The fight against FGM is being transformed by women- and youth-led organizations. Groups like the Global Youth Consortium against FGM, Equality Now, EASSI, Frontline Ending FGM, Power to You(th) and the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) are bringing new energy, innovative dialogues, and legal advocacy to communities. These organizations are reaching remote villages, challenging entrenched norms, and fostering intergenerational alliances. Faith-based leaders and traditional elders also hold immense power in shifting cultural perceptions. By engaging religious institutions and community elders, we are seeing growing acceptance that FGM is not a religious requirement but a harmful practice that denies girls their fundamental rights. The road ahead In 2025, we will intensify our efforts by working with the African Union to drive the adoption and ratification of the Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls. Through the Saleema Initiative, and the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programmes, we will ensure that legislative frameworks and accountability mechanisms are strengthened. Addressing cross-border FGM remains a priority, with an emphasis on joint action plans, data sharing, and coordinated prevention strategies. Recognizing that legal reforms and policies alone are not enough, we need to ensure sustainable, flexible funding for grassroots organizations leading change within communities. We need schools to be safe spaces, where girls are educated about their rights. We need boys and men to be allies, standing and fighting alongside women and girls to promote traditions and cultural practices which empower women and girls and dismantle discriminatory norms. The progress we have made is undeniable, but so is the urgency. We are just five years away from 2030, the global deadline to end FGM. Every day that passes means more girls are at risk. Fatuma's story is proof that change is possible. But for every girl who escapes, millions more still face the blade. We stand firm in our commitment: this harmful practice must end in our lifetime. And it will—if we step up together, now. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Empowered Voices: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) survivor shares her journey to freedom in Tanzania
In Tarime, a small village in the Mara region in Tanzania, Amina, a survivor of female genital mutilation (FGM) shares her story of hope. Growing up in a rural community, Amina experienced the weight of cultural traditions, including FGM. In her early teens, she endured the painful practice – a rite of passage long considered essential for women in her community. But for Amina, the traumatic experience ignited the need to challenge and change harmful norms. 'I didn't understand why it was done to me,' Amina shares, her voice steady despite the pain of her past. 'I felt like I had no control over my own body. But I knew I had to fight for the girls coming after me.' Amina's story is not one of silence but one of defiance. With the support of her family and local community leaders, she joined forces with others advocating for the end of FGM in Mara, where prevalence remains high at 28 per cent. Amina builds alliances among grassroots activists, government officials, and civil society groups. She also mobilizes coalitions led by survivors, youth, and men, ensuring that the fight against FGM is sustained and amplified. Today, Amina mentors other survivors, helping them access resources to rebuild their lives. 'When I look at the girls I helped today, I see strength. I see hope. We are fighting for a future where no girl has to suffer like we did,' Amina added. Progress in ending FGM in Tanzania In recent years, significant progress has been made in Tanzania's fight against FGM, particularly in Manyara, Dodoma, and Mara regions. According to a recent government report, the prevalence of FGM has seen a marked decline over the past few years, due to advocacy, education, and multi-stakeholder efforts. The Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, provided an update on the efforts to combat FGM during the commeoration International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, celebrated every February 6. Dr. Gwajima shared that between 2015 and 2023, Manyara saw a decrease in FGM prevalence from 58 per cent to 43 per cent, Dodoma dropped from 41 per cent to 18 per cent, and Mara saw a decrease from 32 per cent to 28 per cent. Dr. Gwajima credited these reductions to community engagement, government initiatives, and partnerships with organizations like UNFPA. 'Though we still have work to do, the decline in FGM rates in Manyara, Dodoma, and Mara shows that change is possible,' Dr. Gwajima stated. 'The efforts of individuals like Amina and local organizations are critical to these successes. We are committed to continuing these efforts until FGM is eradicated in all regions.' However, despite the progress, Manyara and Arusha still have high prevalence rates at 43 per cent, followed by Mara at 28 per cent. These numbers highlight the need for continued investment in the implementation of the National Plan of Action to End Violence Against Women and Children and the National Anti-FGM Strategy. Strengthening legal enforcement, ensuring justice for survivors, and providing necessary care remain essential. UNFPA's Role in the Fight Against FGM UNFPA Tanzania Representative, Mr. Mark Bryan Schreiner, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and civil society. 'The reduction of FGM cases throughout Tanzania shows the collective work being done to protect girls and empower communities. We must continue strengthening efforts to eliminate FGM and ensure no girl is subjected to this harmful practice.' Mr. Schreiner said. UNFPA supports community mobilization, survivor assistance, and awareness campaigns challenging harmful cultural norms. By empowering local leaders, women, and youth, UNFPA contributes to gender equality and reproductive health access across Tanzania. Ending FGM demands the involvement of girls, women, survivors, men, youth, traditional and religious leaders, governments, private sector actors, and donors. Amina's bright future Tanzania is making remarkable strides toward the elimination of FGM. While there is still much work to be done, the stories of survivors like Amina reminds the world that change is not only possible—it's already happening. The theme for 2025, "Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM," underscores the urgency of accelerating action, increasing investment, fostering partnerships, and centering survivor voices. UNFPA Tanzania remains committed to supporting survivors and communities in creating a world where all girls grow up free from violence, fear, and harm. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNFPA - East and Southern Africa.
See - Sada Elbalad
05-02-2025
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
On Int'l Day of Zero Tolerance: A Call to End Female Genital Mutilation
Pasant Elzaitony On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed on February 6, the crucial role of men and boys in combating this harmful practice is highlighted. FGM is a severe violation of human rights that continues in several Arab countries, including Egypt, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen, Iraq, Djibouti, and Somalia. While efforts to eliminate the practice persist, engaging men and boys remains key to driving meaningful change. Recent studies indicate that men,whether fathers, husbands, grandfathers, or brothers,often play a significant role in decisions related to actively involving them in the fight against this practice is a vital step toward its eradication. In Egypt, for example, research shows that men can be strong allies in this battle if provided with accurate information about the serious physical and psychological consequences of FGM. In Sudan, studies reveal that 64% of men oppose FGM, offering a crucial opportunity to encourage them to take a leadership role in shifting social attitudes and reducing the practice. The participation of men and boys is essential for raising awareness about the long-term health, psychological, and social impacts of FGM. In Mauritania, the government's recent national human rights strategy places youth at the forefront of the fight against FGM. Strengthening legislation and awareness campaigns—particularly targeting men and boys—is a key component of this initiative. Their involvement will help drive the necessary social transformation for sustainable development. In Yemen, mobilizing men and boys against FGM is proving to be a decisive step toward sustainable progress. Community-led initiatives, including collaboration with religious leaders and local authorities, have already led some regions to abandon this harmful practice. In Iraq's Kurdistan region, government and civil society organizations continue efforts to combat FGM, with male engagement playing an integral role in these campaigns. Studies show that increased awareness among men about the dangers of FGM can significantly contribute to its decline. Achieving lasting change requires men and boys to take a stand against FGM at both the family and community levels. Their participation in raising awareness, supporting anti-FGM movements, and influencing family decisions can play a decisive role in eliminating this practice by 2030. On this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we call on all men and boys across the Arab region to take an active role in these efforts and to be strong advocates for the protection of women's and girls' rights, ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
