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WEHAF Foundation: Knowledge is Power for Women in Tanzania

Women in tanzaniaThe women of the Maasai tribe in Arusha, Tanzania face extreme rates of poverty and violations of their human rights. Traditions and cultural norms perpetuate health risks and social injustice, diminishing their development and way of life. About 60% of women live in extreme poverty, on account of the unequal challenges they face.

These risks include Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages, vulnerable employment and unfit education on reproductive health. Indeed, as of 2016, 10% of women experienced the cultural practice of FGM. Furthermore, 35% of those women were under the age of 1.

WEHAF in Tanzania

Ensuring women in Tanzania have access to proper education and tools to fight economic and social issues was the deciding factor behind Widows Encouragement & HIV/AIDS Foundation (WEHAF). Founders Theresia Mollel and Silvia George are sisters who came together in 2016 to empower women of all ages to create a better life for themselves and their families.

WEHAF’s objectives include lobbying for human rights policy change, increasing psychosocial support services to victims of HIV/AIDS and women in need, providing legal assistance to these groups, etc. Further, most young women simply need educating on daunting practices like FGM and early marriage that propel them into adulthood. WEHAF holds workshops and open conversations surrounding FGM in Tanzania to get women equipped to overcome these hardships.

Unemployment

Along with human rights violations, these women lack the necessary resources to cultivate an adequate income. Women are more likely to participate in unpaid labor than men. The employment rate among women has dropped from 79% in 2005 to 72% in 2016.

Vulnerable employment rates, or informal work arrangements and fewer protections, have steadily stayed at a higher rate among women than men in Tanzania. In 2023, the vulnerable employment rate in women was 89.3%, with men at 77.8%. As this rate slowly decreases over time, WEHAF is building a New Mama Center to revive economic prosperity among Maasai women.

In December 2023, construction on WEHAF’s New Mama Center began in Moshono, a small suburb in Arusha, Tanzania. This facility will provide a more permanent care center for women and victims of HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, classes on menstrual hygiene practices are provided for an array of life skills that will set these women up for a successful future.

Success Story

From food packages to sewing classes, WEHAF has created real results that encourage the community in Tanzania to trust the process. One example of the sisters making an impact is through 63-year-old Aisha. She was an accomplished coal saleswoman, but after her leg was amputated, she could no longer invest in her business once the hospital bills came through. WEHAF provided two bags of coal and a food package to kick start her career again. Just one month later Aisha was flourishing once again.

The outreach programs graciously provided by WEHAF is proof that investing in the younger generation is highly important. There is a call to action regarding these women and children, through donations, volunteering or advocacy. The Mollel sisters and everyone fighting with WEHAF appreciate any efforts to break down barriers for women in poverty in Tanzania.

– Rachael Wexler

Rachael is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 NGOs Working to End FGM/C

ionEnd FGM/CIn 90 countries across the developing world, cultures continue to practice female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). FGM/C is the “harmful practice involving the full or partial removal or injury to a girl’s external genitals.” Despite cultural traditions, this is a practice that causes serious physical and psychological harm to more than four million girls yearly and more than 230 million girls and women who continue to experience the consequences of such harm. For these reasons, multiple nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working to end FGM/C across the globe.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation

One such organization is the Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF). This foundation believes that FGM/C is a human rights violation and that women across the globe have rights to bodily autonomy and health. In this way, GWPF works to eradicate FGM/C through multiple rehabilitation and prevention projects in West Africa.

On the rehabilitation side, GWPF offers a monthly online support group with a licensed therapist and allocates funds for vaginal restorative surgery for survivors who continue to experience pain years after FGM/C. Prevention-wise, GWPF offers both a scholarship program and a sanitary pad program to keep girls in school, as well as scholarships for boys to educate future generations of fathers and leaders about FGM/C.

GWPF also offers training to educators and law enforcement to recognize and protect at-risk girls, making this organization an important contributor to NGOs working to end FGM/C.

The Orchid Project

The Orchid Project is another one of many NGOs working to end FGM/C. The organization accomplishes this goal through research, knowledge sharing and advocacy. The research of The Orchid Project is a vital tool in increasing data surrounding FGM/C, making information about the practice accessible and helping communities understand what techniques are effective for ending FGM/C.

This research is then applied in Knowledge Sharing Workshops in 12 cities across five African countries, where communities can share experiences and solutions to end this harmful practice. These workshops emphasize a social norms-based approach, as FGM/C continues to be an issue rooted in tradition and culture. The Orchid Project is also an important figure among NGOs working to end FGM/C due to its advocacy work at all levels (from community to global) that focuses on building up resources, policy influence, community support and inclusivity.

Joint Program on the Elimination of FGM

The largest programs designed to end FGM/C are the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Program on the Elimination of FGM. This joint program began in 2008 and services 17 countries where FGM/C is a pressing issue. This program works in many ways, including legal frameworks, government involvement, community engagement, services and advocacy outreach to end the practice of FMG/C.

Some notable accomplishments of these programs include 3,200 arrests or legal actions, the prevention of FGM/C for more than 690,000 girls via community surveillance and the participation of more than 4.1 million people in mobilization/education sessions held by the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Program. While this is a brief overview of the anti-FGM/C work by this program, it is clear that their work is extensive and effective.

Concluding Thoughts

While culture is a valuable part of life for every community, there continue to be unacceptable aspects of many cultures. One such aspect is the cultural practice of FGM/C. It is vital to the health and safety of women and girls that NGOs like the ones mentioned above continue to work to end the practice so that future generations of girls can be free from the physical and psychological pain caused by the practice.

– Carlie Duggan

Carlie is based in Newtown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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The Girl Generation: Organization Helping FGM Survivors in Kenya

The Girl GenerationFemale Genital Mutilation (FGM) carries many risks, perhaps the most unspoken one being the psychological impacts of the often traumatic procedure. Though there is little research on the mental effects on survivors of FGM, it is widely accepted that many women suffer from conditions like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress syndrome.

In Kenya, where prevalence rates of FGM are high, various forms of therapy are being used to help girls and women deal with the lasting consequences of FGM on their mental health. Art therapy has been proven to be an effective way of processing the trauma survivors of FGM in Kenya have experienced.

What Is It?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines FGM as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons.” There are many serious risks to these procedures, including short-term issues like shock, infection and serious bleeding. Furthermore, long-term issues include urinary problems, complications in childbirth (increasing the likelihood of newborn death) and psychological trauma.

FGM is considered a violation of human rights. It is most often performed on girls and so can also be a violation of the rights of the child. More than 200 million girls and women alive today are survivors of FGM. It is estimated that around 3 million people are at risk annually. In Kenya, FGM remains a significant issue, with a prevalence rate of 15%. While this marks progress from 21% in 2014 to 38% in 1998, more work is needed to reduce the rates further. In the meantime, it is crucial to support survivors of FGM in Kenya.

Lasting Impacts

After undergoing “the cut,” many girls leave education to marry, meaning the number of girls who remain in education is very low. Out of 80.8% of girls in rural areas who attend primary school, only 14.3% enroll in secondary school. FGM perpetuates poverty for girls by obstructing their access to education and pathways out of poverty.

With one-third of Kenyans living below the national poverty line, FGM exacerbates education gaps, excludes women from the workforce and imposes health care costs due to the procedure’s immediate and long-term effects. This prevents the country from achieving full prosperity.

Support for Survivors

The Girl Generation, in partnership with the U.K. Aid, is providing counseling services for survivors of FGM in Kenya. This initiative helps survivors cope with trauma and rebuild their lives. Since 2022, the organization has helped more than 500 survivors in Kenya. The Girl Generation also supports girls who dropped out of school to continue their education. Indeed, this allows them to escape the cycle of poverty.

Summary

Many girls and women remain silenced after experiencing FGM, with their suffering often ignored or dismissed. Art therapy and counseling provide a platform for these women to express their struggles and receive the support they need. The Girl Generation is one organization delivering these services to FGM survivors in Kenya.

– Eryn Greenaway

Eryn is based in East Sussex, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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FGM in Somalia and The National Development Plan

FGM in SomaliaSomalia has one of the highest rates of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the world, with nearly 100% of women aged 15 to 49 having undergone the procedure. This practice is rooted in cultural, religious and social norms, perpetuating control over female sexuality and upholding gender inequality. Despite being illegal, female genital mutilation persists due to societal pressures, weak enforcement of existing laws and unstable governance. Traditional practitioners, often older women in the community, typically perform FGM, leading to severe health complications for the victims.

Reasons for Persistence

  • Cultural and Religious Beliefs: FGM is viewed as a cultural practice to mark the transition from girlhood to womanhood. The practice is also mistakenly linked to religious expectations and beliefs.
  • Social Pressure: There is a risk of ostracism if families do not conform to this practice held by groups. This process often aligns with practices such as child marriage. FGM is a way to preserve family honor and ensure daughters are “pure” and “virginal” women.
  • Limited Access to Education: There is a lack of awareness regarding the pain, danger and injustice of FGM.

The National Development Plan

The Ninth National Development Plan (NDP9) is a comprehensive governmental framework designed to guide Somalia toward sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction between 2020 and 2024. This plan addresses politics, improved security, economic growth and social development. Furthermore, gender equality and women’s empowerment are pivotal objectives of NDP9. A significant focus is placed on combating harmful practices like FGM.

NDP9 incorporates strategies to combat FGM through laws, public awareness campaigns and education programs targeting both men and women. This includes the Ifrah Foundation’s “Dear Daughter” campaign, which hopes to reduce FGM by promoting personal empowerment and asking parents to pledge that they won’t cut their daughters. The aim is that a three-pillar approach of education, advocacy and action will begin to lay sustainable foundations for FGM eradication.

Comparison with Kenya

With previously high rates of FGM, similar initiatives and legislation in Kenya have seen FGM drop to approximately 15% among women aged 15-49. Effective grassroots activism, education and support from nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have led to significant reductions in FGM prevalence, as well as the criminalization of those practicing. Organizations like the Kenyan anti-FGM Board and Amref Health Africa have been instrumental in these efforts. This comparison suggests that increased governmental stability and specific FGM groups can facilitate a quicker eradication of FGM in Somalia.

Activism, Advocacy and Advice

Activists like Shamsa Sharawe have played a crucial role in the fight against FGM in Somalia and Europe. By bringing the attention of international communities to the issue, Sharawe’s advocacy highlights the physical and psychological harm caused by FGM. Her efforts and those of various NGOs have been instrumental in pushing for more robust policies and community-based interventions. They display that this is not an issue of the past. FGM is a continual injustice and attack on female autonomy, dignity and freedoms.

Survivors of FGM, like Ifrah Ahmed (founder of “Dear Daughter“), have become vocal advocates for ending the practice. They emphasize the importance of education, community dialogue and international cooperation. Additionally, by sharing their stories, survivors help break down stereotypes and stigmas associated with female genital mutilation, advocating for survivor support and defending women’s dignity and integrity.

– Olivia Howard

Olivia is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Legislation Passed: Child Marriage in Sierra Leone is Banned

Child Marriage in Sierra LeoneOn July 2, 2024, President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act to end the widespread practice in Sierra Leone.

Law That Aims to Protect

In Sierra Leone, a milestone has been achieved in the country; the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was recently signed into effect, eradicating all child marriages younger than the age of 18. This includes conspiracy, aiding and abetting a child to enter marriage; violators can expect strict penalties if found guilty, with punishments of up to 15 years in prison and approximately $4,000 fine.

Obligations on community and religious leaders will require them to take strong measures so they don’t officiate child marriages and no person is allowed to attend the ceremony involving a child. It will also prevent cohabitation with a child regardless of whether married or not, criminalizing both as offenses.

The new bill contributes to protecting women, girls and children from harmful practices, even employing marriage prohibition officers who will work within communities to advise and issue reports, ensuring the law is being followed.

The Scale of Child Marriage

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), an estimated 800,000 child brides reside in Sierra Leone, with half having been married before the age of 15 years. Child marriage is common in the country, with 30% of girls aged 20 to 24 years old married before age 18 and 13% married before age 15.

The reasons for child marriage are complex and vary: poverty, education, gender inequality, religion and even inheritance are all factors related to this ongoing issue. Families with limited resources seek to find ways for their children to gain opportunities; by offering a bride in the form of a child, the motivation is not just economic, but also a custom and local practice.

Education, FGM and Risks

The effects of child marriage have been devasting, resulting in many disadvantages for women and girls throughout their lives. Girls are often less educated and unable to complete secondary school, which limits their employment opportunities. This makes them underrepresented in skilled and professional industries and digital literacy, such as the internet, cell phones and technology that can provide them access to more resources and information.

There is also the divisive practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) used to initiate girls into womanhood and prepare them for marriage. It’s a method of suppressing women’s and girls’ sexual urges and keeping them focused on the woman’s responsibilities and duties she will face within her home. According to the 2019 Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey, 83% of women and girls aged between 15 and 49 years have undergone FGM.

Final Remark

Additional concerns that must be addressed are fear of retaliation for having a family member imprisoned and increased poverty, which will prevent many from following the new law. Therefore, it will take much involvement from the community for this law to make a substantial impact. The benefits for women, girls and children are great for now. They can finish school, gain more skills and seek opportunities. Most of all, they can enjoy childhood without the pressures of being forced into child marriage.

– Tanita Love

Tanita is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Poverty and Women’s Rights in Guinea-Bissau

Women's Rights in Guinea-BissauGuinea-Bissau is a small country located on the west coast of Africa and is a former colony of Portugal, from which it declared independence in 1974. Despite political and governmental challenges, including constitution changes and a coup d’Etat, the country has made efforts to protect women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau in key sectors such as labor, security and health measures.

Women in the Workforce

Developing nations such as Guinea-Bissau often face cultural and familial challenges that hinder women’s involvement in the workforce. Globally, the female labor force participation rate, which is the proportion of the female population that is 15 or older who are economically active is 48.8%. This figure rose dramatically, from just 2.63% in 1979. Additionally, the female unemployment rate in Guinea-Bissau is 2.8%. This is a low figure, especially in comparison with other developing nations across Africa and the Middle East. While the potential for progress remains, the data regarding workforce participation is an indicator of progressive change in female poverty and women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau.

Domestic Security for Women

As it stands, the Guinea-Bissau constitution does not explicitly prohibit violence against women or harmful practices to women’s health and safety. To improve female safety across Guinea-Bissau, the country adopted measures such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1985 and a National Action Plan per U.N. Resolution 1325 in 2011. However, Guinea-Bissau experiences high levels of governmental corruption and impunity for gender-based violence, as well as a stark lack of prosecution for cases of rape. This makes the legal advancements that promote women’s safety ineffective and reinforces gender disparity and poverty regarding domestic security.

Maternal Mortality

A vital measure of women’s health in a country is maternal mortality. One measure of maternal mortality is the number of maternal deaths per year. In 2020, Guinea-Bissau experienced 464 maternal deaths, down from 743 in 1997. In comparison, a developed country such as the U.S. experienced only 19 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the same year. While data shows improvements in maternal safety in Guinea-Bissau, these numbers are severe and have serious consequences for women’s health.

In 2020, 3.12% of women in Guinea-Bissau were expected to die from pregnancy-related causes, according to Our World in Data. This statistic is abysmal, but women’s health in childbearing and birth can be dramatically improved through investment in maternal care, safe and sterile deliveries, improved nutrition and better hygiene and sanitation. UNICEF provides training and technical support to community health workers “to upgrade the skills of midwives as in some cases poor obstetric care has contributed to high maternal death rates.”

FGM in Guinea-Bissau

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice across developing nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that has serious health consequences for the girls who experience FGM. In 2011, Guinea-Bissau passed the Federal Law to Prevent, Fight and Suppress Female Genital Mutilation. This law defines FGM, as well as criminalizes the performance, the failure to report incidents, the participation of medical professionals in the act, and the procurement or arrangement of FGM.

While this law is a significant step in reducing FGM and its culture across Guinea-Bissau, it is necessary to reiterate the impact of the weak legal system and corrupt government in the country. Due to these challenges, there is no data regarding prosecutions under the updated criminal code that FGM laws fall under. However, data does exist on the prevalence of FGM across Guinea-Bissau. From the ages of 15-49, an average of 52.1% of women experience FGM, with lower rates along the coast and extreme rates inland (95.8% of women in the Gabú region), according to the 28 Too Many report. Thus, poverty and women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau are strongly hindered by the prevalence of FGM, as the practice creates unsafe and unhealthy realities for women and girls across the country.

The Future of Women’s Rights

Women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau have increased with a global movement to involve women in the workforce, promote their safety and protect their health. Fortunately, numerous NGOs and non-profit organizations carry out important work in improving the well-being of women in Guinea-Bissau. For example, the FGM/C Research Initiative (FGMCRI) continues the work of the 28 Too Many Charity, which provides essential research and recommendations for ending FGM in countries that allow the practice to continue, including Guinea-Bissau. FGM is a difficult problem to measure and research, so the work of FGMCRI has provided other charities and organizations like the U.N. with the research needed to adjust goals and interventions.

Another organization operating in Guinea-Bissau is Effective Interventions which has been in operation for just two years. This NGO conducts randomized controlled trials to improve maternal and child health and literacy. In doing so, Effective Intervention can accurately measure the outcomes of their trials, which are either expanded or discarded depending on program success rates. Thus far the organization has succeeded in five projects that have improved maternal mortality rates and increased literacy rates in children.

Despite extensive challenges to women’s rights in Guinea-Bissau, these organizations provide hope to the women experiencing the challenges, and to the future generations of women who will continue to improve conditions.

– Carlie Duggan

Carlie is based in Newtown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Gender Inequality and Women’s Treatment in Somalia

Women’s Treatment in SomaliaSomalia is plagued with a fragile government, economic pressure and insecurity for its people. However, one of the most significant issues is children’s and women’s treatment in Somalia.

Current Picture

Somalia ranks fourth lowest in the gender equality index with one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world. The nation has a long history of gender inequality, male dominance, and mistreatment of women and children, which is brought up through generations. The reason why the country continues to see high levels of abuse in women and girls is because of society’s grip on the crisis. 

In Somalia, a staggering 98% of girls deal with abuse. Girls between the ages of 9 and 15 experience sexual violence, exploitation and physical abuse. Without any legal framework protecting girls’ rights, about 35% of girls undergo child marriage, which contributes to the alarming number of abuse cases. 

Most women and girls deal with genital mutilation, which is named the silent epidemic by Women of Concern Honouree, Ifrah Ahmed. She states, “Parents, communities, religious leaders, [and] elders still think that this is a tradition that should be kept and continued… There is no common understanding and awareness of the issue.” The main reason why there are still cases of this type of abuse is because of generational practice.

Maternal Health 

Somalia is also one of the worst countries to become a mother. One out of 12 mothers in Somalia die due to pregnancy complications. A study in 2017 found that many causes of maternal deaths are preventable. According to the study, 25 of the 30 women refused to seek care because they believed that staying away from the doctor keeps them healthy. The lack of education and basing decisions on superstition contribute to the high levels of maternal mortality rate alongside scarce medicine in more rural parts of the country.

Why are women dying preventable deaths? It is because Somali women are denied the right to an education. The 2022 USAID report found that only 35% of women have some years of school. Only 25% of girls attended primary education in formal schools. The lack of education leads to a lack of skills that can help women become independent and prevent deaths.

Women have limited access to the justice system, which leads to more unresolved cases of gender-based violence, and the government continues to leave legislation on the drawing board. For example, the Somaliland Sexual Offences Law of 2018, which proposed prohibiting sexual harassment, remains to be implemented. The government does not prioritize women’s rights, even with women in the Parliament. 

Organizations Improving Women’s Treatment in Somalia

Save the Children has urged the government of Somalia to prioritize the protection of women and children in response to the country’s ratification of many U.N. Human Rights Conventions, which led to the country committing to advance the rights of women and girls. 

Somali Women Empowerment Organization (SWEO) is an organization that aims to unite and promote women’s abilities and roles in Somali society. The Somali Women Empowerment Organization is a nonprofit organization established in 2010 that focuses on training girls and young women in Somalia on how to get involved in politics through seminars. The goal is to inspire the next generation of women to fight for a shift in women’s rights. 

U.N. Women is another organization that advocates for women’s rights, and its involvement in Somalia has it working extensively with the government and civil society to create programs, laws, and policies for women’s well-being. A crucial program U.N. Women are working towards is the Sustainable Development Goals, which advocates for girls and young women to aspire to participate in the fight for women’s rights. The program also helps create economic and social development, which is crucial when tackling gender inequality issues in the government. 

– Sebastian Llerena
Photo: Flickr

2 Organizations Combating FGM/C

Two Organizations Combating FGM/C in Their Communities and BeyondFemale genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) takes many forms, from partial removal of the clitoris to decreasing the size of the vaginal opening by sewing the labia together and more. No matter which form of FGM/C a person undergoes, the short- and long-term health risks are major, and its consequences go beyond the person directly impacted by it. In a 2021 article for the Council on Foreign Relations written by US Department of State foreign service officer Maryum Saifee, who is also a survivor of FGM/C, she argues that “ending FGM is a precondition for stability and prosperity both at home and abroad.”

Given the consequences of it on health, the economy, national security and more, combating FGM/C is an important issue that also requires cultural competency. Currently, two organizations that are using cultural competency to fight FGM/C in their communities and beyond are Sahiyo and the Hope Foundation for African Women.

Sahiyo

Sahiyo is a founding member of the Global Platform for Action to End Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C). Sahiyo works within communities that actively practice female genital cutting (FGC), engaging in educational dialogue with them about the many risks associated with it. Sahiyo uses the term FGC, because ‘mutilation’ assumes an intent to harm, and approaching communities with hostility undermines its ability to create lasting change. The organization has two chapters: Sahiyo U.S. addresses FGC globally and Sahiyo India focuses on India, especially within Bohra communities where it’s a common practice known as khatna, and where four of its co-founders have connections.

There is currently no national law in India banning FGC, and of the 92 countries with active FGC practices, only 51 have laws explicitly banning it.

The Borgen Project recently sat down with Mariya Taher, one of Sahiyo’s co-founders and their U.S. Executive Director, to discuss the group’s work. Taher spoke about the importance of having laws worldwide that address FGC, stating that “particularly when FGM/C is considered such a widespread social norm within communities, laws and policies can help to influence behavior change when it comes to harmful norms […] there’s a lot of research that does show that having legislation in place that clearly articulates that FGM/C is illegal can help to influence behavior change within impacted communities, too, and to help highlight that a harmful social norm shouldn’t be allowed anymore.” Taher also articulated that policy and legislation shouldn’t just stop at criminalization of FGC, but also include education and outreach into impacted communities.

Additionally, Sahiyo highlights the voices of FGC survivors, whether from the Dawoodi Bohra community, other Asian communities, African communities, white American communities or anywhere else in the world. Taher explained the issue of pluralistic ignorance around FGC, which has hindered progress in eradicating it. Pluralistic ignorance is a social psychology term that “means this idea that no one wants something to continue, but they continue it because they think everyone else does, and that’s how they belong.” She stated that uplifting the voices of survivors, especially through their Voices to End FGM/C program, makes survivors feel less isolated in their experiences, as well as encouraging others to speak out.

Sahiyo maintains a podcast, blog and YouTube channel to share survivors’ stories. In addition, Sahiyo engages in research about FGC, conducts education training about FGC and, in 2021, it launched a program called Bhaiyo to engage men in the fight against FGC.

Hope Foundation for African Women

Located in Kenya, the Hope Foundation for African Women (HFAW) works on reducing FGM/C primarily among the Kisii and Maasai communities. Although Kenya banned FGM/C in 2011 and the High Court of Kenya upheld that ban in 2021, around 97% of Kisii and Maasai girls in Kenya still undergo FGM/C, as the practice goes on underground.

HFAW combats FGM/C through education about its risks and impact on the community and through leadership training. The organization has provided training to 120 health and human rights personnel, students and staff in nine schools and 25 men, some of whom work in law enforcement. It is also training at least 50 youth to become anti-FGM youth leaders.

Looking Ahead

Combating FGM/C appears to be a challenging feat. Taher shared the sentiment that “no matter how much we’ve talked about this with some community members […] they will be very staunch in continuing it because they very much believe that it’s connected to their identity in some way.” The dedication that Sahiyo and HFAW have toward combating FGM/C, however, is tremendous and their culturally competent approach could result in lasting change.

– Natalie Coyne

Photo: Courtesy of Sahiyo

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Ending Female Genital Mutilation in Sudan

Female Genital Mutilation in SudanAlthough six African states issued legislation to prohibit female genital mutilation, the north African state of Sudan was lagging behind in these efforts. Female genital mutilation ( FGM) was illegal in some Sudanese states but the bans were widely ignored. Under the leadership of Omar al-Bashir, parliament rejected recommendations to ban the practice.

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM is defined as procedures that deliberately alter or cause injury to female genital organs. It is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and adolescence and occasionally performed on adult women. These procedures are nonmedical and provide no health benefits, only harm to the female. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue, therefore, it interferes with the natural functions of the female body.

The reasons behind FGM vary between regions due to a mix of sociocultural factors. The procedure is routinely executed by a midwife without anesthesia. There are four types of FGM. Type one is the partial or total removal of the clitoris. Type two is the removal of the clitoris and inner labia. Type three is the removal of all the external genitalia or narrowing of the vaginal opening. Type four is any other type of damage to the female genitalia, such as burning, scraping or piercing.

Females experience either short-term or long-term effects. The short-term effects include severe pain, excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), genital tissue swelling, fever, infections, wound healing issues. The more dangerous and life-altering long-term effects include urinary problems, menstrual problems, increased risk of childbirth complications, the need for later surgeries or psychological problems.

According to UNICEF, 87% of Sudanese women aged between 14 and 49 have undergone a form of FGM. FGM is also more prevalent among the poorest women.

Actions to End Female Genital Mutilation

In 2008, the National Council of Child Welfare and UNICEF joined together to launch the Saleema Initiative, which focused on abandoning FGM at a community level.  The initiative educated women about the health risks and encouraged females to say no to the procedure.

Additionally, the United Nations General Assembly took action in 2012 by calling on the international community to enhance efforts to end FGM. In 2015, the global community agreed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include a target under Goal 5 to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child marriage and female genital mutilation by 2030.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is addressing the issue by implementing guidelines, tools, training and policy to allow healthcare providers the opportunity to offer medical care and counseling to females suffering the effects of FGM.  The WHO also aims at generating knowledge to encourage the abandonment of the FGM procedures. One final measure by the WHO is increased advocacy through publications and tools for policymakers.

Criminalizing Female Genital Mutilation in Sudan

In May 2020, the Sudanese Government criminalized FGM and made it punishable by up to three years in prison. But, experts remain concerned that a law is not sufficient in ending the practice due to religious and cultural ties to the procedure.

The sociocultural and religious ties surrounding female genital mutilation in Sudan complicate attempts to end the practice. Criminalizing FGM in Sudan may not be enough to end the practice. The National Council of Child Welfare, UNICEF, the United Nations General Assembly and the WHO are taking major steps to eliminate FGM or assist those already affected by the practice.

– Rachel Durling
Photo: Flickr

Gender Inequality in Somalia During COVID-19

COVID-19 is deepening gender inequality in Somalia, as girls and women are increasingly losing autonomy over their bodies and the ability to plan for families themselves. It is projected that there will be an increase in female genital mutilation (FGM) and childhood marriages. The international community has a responsibility to intervene in Somalia to protect the human rights of girls and women.

Female Genital Mutilation

The COVID-19 lockdown in Somalia has led to a rapid increase in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Somali parents have taken advantage of school closures as a result of COVID-19, asking nurses to perform FGM on their daughters now because they have time to stay at home and recover.

Circumcisers are traveling neighborhoods offering to cut girls who are at home, causing a dramatic increase in FGM procedures. Sadia Allin, Plan International’s head of mission in Somalia stated, “the cutters have been knocking on doors, including mine, asking if there are young girls they can cut.”

COVID-19 prevention measures are perpetuating the continuation of FGM and consequently gender inequality in Somalia. In 2020, at least 290,000 girls in Somalia will undergo FGM, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Somalian citizens are unable to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM in their local communities because of the ongoing lockdown.

Child Marriage

Child marriages are also projected to increase as a result of COVID-19. Families are more likely to marry off their daughters during stressful crises to reduce the number of people they must provide for. It is expected that the economic fallout of the pandemic will result in 13 million child marriages by 2030.

The closure of Somalian schools because of COVID-19 could also escalate the number of child marriages. Girls Not Brides chief executive Faith Mwangi-Powell stated, “Schools protect girls. When schools shut, the risks (of marriage) become very heightened.”

Efforts to Stop Gender Inequality

International organizations, such as Girls Not Brides, Plan International and Save the Children, are taking a stance to protect vulnerable women and girls in Somalia.

In April, Girls Not Brides wrote a letter to the African Union, urging the group to take a stance against gender inequality. Girls Not Brides explained ways that the African Union can protect vulnerable communities during COVID-19. These steps include training educators to recognize and prevent violence, protecting social sector spending and adopting distance learning solutions, among many others.

Plan International is demanding that sexual and reproductive health information and services that prevent and respond to harmful practices, such as FGM, should be an integral part of the COVID-19 response. The organization also advocates that girls and young women should be included in the conversation to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met. Plan International strives to end FGM so that women and girls can make their own decisions regarding their sexual reproductive health and well-being. Its work is extremely important because FGM can cause a variety of short-term and long-term health risks. Girls and women who undergo FGM are likely to experience excessive bleeding, genital tissue swelling and infections.

Save the Children is a humanitarian organization for children around the world. The organization launched the “Save our Education” campaign to promote distance learning and to encourage investment in education systems for the future.

Somali girls who do not return to school will grow more vulnerable to the effects of gender inequality as described above. The World Bank discovered that “each year of secondary education may reduce the likelihood of marrying before the age of 18 by five percentage points or more in many countries.”

Organizations such as Girls Not Brides, Plan International and Save the Children are trailblazers for the eradication of FGM and discontinuation of unwanted pregnancies and child marriages in Somalia during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are paving the way to decrease gender inequality in Somalia.

– Danielle Piccoli
Photo: Flickr