As we approach the final phase of the Target Project Health, the Target Team has been reviewing our education and awareness efforts over the previous three years. We are proud to say that FAWCO women have engaged and become increasingly fluent in the language of female genital mutilation (FGM) during this period. When we started, many of us felt trepidation at voicing these words. The very thought of what this all might actually mean made us uncomfortable. I am proud to say that we have successfully moved beyond discomfort and sometimes even disbelief, to action. Our anger at learning how far too many girls and young women are subjected to the cruel practice of FGM has been instrumental in educating ourselves, speaking up and supporting efforts against FGM. As a reference guide and primer, we are linking some of our factual blogs here for your use, as we are counting on your continued efforts to eliminate FGM.
The Target Team FGM Fact Sheet, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): The Facts, is a quick reference sheet for basic facts, definitions and occurences of FGM. This is a great place to start when seeking general information to share with others. The blog The 10 Most Important Facts about FGM serves this same purpose, and concisely shares the most important facts about FGM in 2021. Because many have asked what they can do to help end this practice, we are including a blog which specifically addresses this question: What You and I Can Do to Stop FGM. One of the most important steps to take is the sharing of information. Because this is still seen as a difficult topic to speak about, FGM happens all too often in silence. So educate yourself, then speak out! Make ending FGM a topic which can and should be openly discussed amongst all.
Understanding that FGM is a global problem is an eye-opening exercise. Yes, FGM is practiced in our own backyards! Various cultures are quietly practicing FGM in our cities and towns. The blog, FGM is Not Just an Africa Issue, explores both factual and anecdotal evidence which indicates that FGM and its cousin, child marriage, are practiced throughout the world. This indicates how important education, awareness, and speaking up are to the elimination of FGM. The blog: Is FGM Happening Here? lists unexpected places where FGM is practiced, many times behind closed doors.
Because FAWCO is a global women’s NGO holding special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council, our work is tied deeply to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the blog FAWCO’s Target Project Working to Achieve UN SDGs FAWCO UN Liaison Laurie Richardson tells how this Target Project contributes to achieving multiple UN SDGs for women and girls in Tanzania.
Respecting and celebrating the passage from girlhood to womanhood is an important feature of many societies. This is an integral feature of Alternative Rites of Passage ceremonies currently practiced by communities working to end FGM. What does Alternative Rite of Passage Mean to You and Me? explores these ceremonies, their meanings, and how they are employed to celebrate women and girls, educate communities and fight the practice of FGM.
Alternative Rites of Passage are a key tool used by Rhobi Samwelly and Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania in their efforts to eliminate FGM. Who is Rhobi Samwelly? What drives her in her passion to rid Tanzania and the world of this human rights abuse? Who is Rhobi Samwelly, the Face behind Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania and S.A.F.E.? tells the story of Rhobi, why she does what she does, and what she is working to achieve. Recently, Rhobi was selected by French President Emmanuel Macron to be the recipient of a Marianne Human Rights Defenders Award, confirming her leadership in fighting human rights abuses.
Unfortunately, the medicalization of FGM is a topic of concern. This practice is not only performed in huts and fields, but also in medical clinics and homes, and by trained healthcare providers. The Medicalization of FGM: Is it Harm Reduction or a Human Rights Abuse? explores this issue, along with confirmation that this is not an approved medical procedure which provides benefits to women and girls, but rather a means of subordination. An additional aspect of FGM, beyond the physical damage incurred, is the psychological impact, both on individuals who have undergone the procedure, and on girls who fear that they are next. The Psychological Impact of FGM is our blog which explores the psychological effects of FGM, both on an individual and relationship level. The deep psychological wounds and sense of betrayal incurred by victims of FGM cannot be underestimated, and their impact is lifelong.
We feel fortunate to have been able to pair with Hope for Girls and Women Tanzania (HGWT), to actively provide support for those fleeing FGM. To work with an inspirational leader like Rhobi Samwelly and learn the reality of FGM in Tanzania has been eye-opening. We are inspired by stories of the girls who have left the threat of FGM behind. In Portrait of FGM: Little Rhobi and Portrait of FGM: Rosie M, we learn of two girls who came to HGWT under the threat of FGM. These young women were able to find the path to Rhobi’s door, where they found support, community, and the possibility to dream. In the blog Hopeful Futures, we introduce you to two young women who turned to HGWT to escape FGM and forced marriage and have found their calling in the hospitality world. Today they are confident, empowered and filled with hope for the future. What could be better for young women than that?
Although this project will come to a close, a large part of our mission has been raising awareness in order to inspire change. We compel you to keep reading and learning about FGM. This FGM booklist, compiled by Tharien Van Eck, contains excellent recommendations for both factual information and personal stories of FGM: FGM Recommended Book List.
So keep learning and reading, stay aware, support organizations in the field, and most of all: speak up, so that the practice of FGM will become a story of the past. Endless thanks to those who joined us on this journey: learning, discovering, writing, speaking, fundraising, mailing, donating and sharing. Together we have helped to make the topic of FGM speakable and compelling, and taken one more step toward a world without this human rights abuse.
“Once you know, you can’t unknow!” - Giselle Portenier