Religion is very important to the Malian population. Imams and preachers are held in high esteem by the population, as they generally do not make decisions on sensitive issues without relying on religious or moral standpoints. Religious leaders have great influence in society and can help to change the way violence against women is dealt with.
Our partner organization RIPOD is a network of liberal Muslim religious leaders who are committed to the promotion of women's rights and against violence against women, also using religious scriptures as an argument. In this project, RIPOD works with political and traditional decision-makers in 20 villages in the Ségou and Barouéli regions. In 2021, RIPOD produced a documentary film with the support of IAMANEH Switzerland. It sheds light on the controversial topic of religion and women's rights. The aim of the film is to show that female circumcision is not a religious duty and that circumcision and other forms of gender-based violence are firmly rejected by many Muslim scholars. In the film, both Muslim and Christian representatives use religious texts to express their views on topics such as female circumcision, early and forced marriage, reproductive health, family planning and the autonomy of women in decision-making processes.
With the documentary film, brochures and numerous activities for religious and state officials, schoolchildren and the general population, RIPOD is raising awareness of respect for women's rights and working towards improvements. As part of the project, religious and other officials are encouraged and empowered to recognize female genital mutilation as a serious human rights violation and to stand up for women's rights. The aim is for Islamic dignitaries to sign a fatwa at the end of the three-year project phase with the aim of respecting women's rights.
The target group is 300 religious leaders, 25 religious women's and youth groups, 500 teachers, 500 pupils and the entire population of the 20 project villages in the Ségou region.
Partner organisation
RIPOD (Réseau Islam Population et Developpement), founded in 2005
Project phase
1.1.2023 to 31.12.2025
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