Female genital cutting (FCG)9 is a violation of human rights. In the regions of Mali where IAMANEH works with local partner organisations, the procedure is carried out on little girls and young women, often without anaesthetic and under unhygienic conditions. As a result, complications and deaths occur frequently. The procedure can seriously affect physical and mental health as well as sexual pleasure.
Find out more about the background, forms and consequences of female genital cutting here.
Every woman and every girl has the right to protection from genital cutting. In Mali, however, around 89 per cent of women and girls - almost eight million - are circumcised. There is no law in Mali that prohibits female circumcision. The FGC-rate has remained relatively stable over the decades.
The young population and especially future parents are the main actors when it comes to maintaining or abandoning the practice of female circumcision. They will all be making decisions for their own families and also for society. This is where the work of AJCAD comes in: As part of the project, young people are specifically informed about all aspects of female genital cutting, including the background and risks. They are trained in such a way that they can pass on their knowledge and thus drive social change. For example, they are present at sporting events or occasions in villages and schools and take part in dialogue rounds or panel discussions. Artistic interventions and film screenings on the topic are also organised. Intergenerational dialogue is also deliberately encouraged.
A second part of the project deals with counselling and support for women living with the consequences of female genital cutting. In the event of physical or psychological problems associated with FGC, project staff refer those affected to appropriate services and provide initial counselling. The survivors of female genital cutting share their experiences with the project staff and, if they wish, release their reports for communication measures. Their statements can contribute to a discussion on this highly taboo subject.
A third project component is the "ClickInfoAdo" tool. This is a digital platform that uses playful, creative and interactive exercises to teach pupils about reproductive health. Before the start of the programme, twelve teachers will be trained to ensure implementation in the schools. By the end of the project phase, 720 pupils will have taken part in the lessons.
The fourth part of the project also involves digital media: Those responsible for the project are working with both young bloggers and representatives of the traditional media to address female genital mutilation and its risks and bring about a change in thinking.
The project is being implemented in six municipalities in the Ségou and Koutiala regions. The target groups are almost 6,000 young people and schoolchildren, 35 people affected by female genital mutilation who seek counselling, 20 bloggers/influencers, 10 media representatives, as well as important traditional influencers in the villages and the local authorities.
Partner organisation:
AJCAD (Association des Jeunes pour la Citoyenneté ctive et la Démocratie), founded in 2014.
