Female genital cutting (FGC) is not a centuries-old tradition in Blouf: it was only around 80 years ago that Mandinka, a neighboring ethnic group, introduced Islam to the Diola and "sold" circumcision as a religious duty. Today, the practice is an established social norm that ensures the social acceptance of girls and women. It is seen as a prerequisite for marriageability and family honor. It also enables participation in the gassousse initiation rite, which symbolically accepts girls into the community of women.
The consequences of FGC are serious: they range from serious physical damage such as infections, birth complications and chronic pain to psychological stress such as trauma, anxiety and depression.
In the first project phase (2020-2023), the Eusobul organization worked with 13 of 21 villages in Blouf. The aim was to involve the entire community and initiate change from within. Even initially skeptical circumcisers were actively involved and eventually joined the project. In October 2023, the circumcisers, together with representatives of the community, publicly announced that they would no longer circumcise girls and women. They decided to redesign the initiation rite gassousse to preserve the tradition, but to do without FGC. Thanks to the close involvement of all stakeholders, from local decision-makers to circumcisers, the change has been widely accepted. This community-led change makes a return to the practice very unlikely. (See the video below)
In the new project phase, what has been achieved in the 13 villages is to be consolidated and the work extended to the remaining eight villages in the Blouf. Mentors from the villages that have already been reached will support the work in the new villages. The aim is to strengthen the traditions and cultural identity of the Blouf, but without violence against girls and women. This strategy promotes social cohesion within the region and initiates a dynamic based on shared values. It supports sustainable change to end FGC completely while preserving the positive values of Diola culture.
The project's direct target group comprises a total of around 6,500 people in the eight "new" villages of Blouf. This includes young people in youth clubs (120), children and young people aged 12 to 17 (2,640) and 400 babies who are "protected" by godparents. In addition, around 3,000 parents are involved in the project activities. The Badjen Gox (80) and Tontons Gox (80), who play a key role in the change process as respected members of the community, are also an important part of the target group, as are religious leaders (40). Also central are the circumcisers and guardians of tradition (64), who are actively involved in the transformation of the initiation rite.
Media Report on the October 2023 Conference in Casamance
