FGM Advocacy
Community-Led Abandonment of FGM
Mobilizing religious, cultural, and community leaders to end Female Genital Mutilation.
Date:
Location:
Mandera
Introduction & Commitment
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most pressing challenges facing girls in Mandera County. HIWYA works to eliminate FGM through community dialogue, education, and consensus-building rooted in cultural understanding and religious clarification.
We are committed to achieving lasting abandonment of FGM by addressing misconceptions, empowering survivors, and engaging key influencers within communities.
Key Program Interventions
Community Dialogue Forums: Facilitated discussions bringing together elders, women, men, youth, and religious leaders to openly discuss FGM and its impacts.
Religious Leader Engagement: Training imams and scholars to clarify that FGM is not a religious requirement and to disseminate accurate teachings.
Men & Boys Advocacy Networks: Establishing male champion groups, including boda boda riders, to advocate against FGM.
Radio Talk Shows & Media Outreach: Broadcasting awareness programs to expand reach beyond physical gatherings.
Survivor Support Networks: Establishing community-based groups to support survivors and protect girls at risk.
Creating Long-Term Social Change
By shifting attitudes within families and cultural institutions, HIWYA fosters collective commitment to ending FGM. Sustained engagement ensures that communities themselves become the strongest defenders of girls’ rights.