FGM Free Generation Project (KIZAZI BILA UKEKETAJI) is the community based project funded by Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) that works to address sexual and reproductive health for women and girls through elimination of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) practices in Dodoma region, Tanzania. The project focuses on integrating health and economic initiatives through facilitating and encouraging female genital cutters/Ngaribas to reverse their attention from the economic rewards of the harmful FGM/C practices to alternative and harmless Income Generating Activities (IGAs) opportunities around their community. At the same time, collaboration with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) is strengthened and prioritized to ensure linkage of Ngaribas (female genital cutters) with existing financial platforms/services/institutions including the Village Community Bank, private financial institutions and governmental grants specifically allocated for community women, to get financial support in order to sustain their own businesses through loans and empower them economically.
The project works with a number of stakeholders including but not limited to Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDEC), Local Government Authorities, Community Health Workers, Female Genital Cutters (Ngaribas), traditional, faith-based/religious leaders to ensure FGM becomes a history in Dodoma region.
A girl’s body belongs only to her and not to her mother, grandmother, husband, her priest or Imam, her community or country. Cutting of girls and women is a violation of their right to a healthy sexual life as this practice is usually undertaken without their informed consent, depriving them the opportunity to make independent decisions about their bodies.
According to 2015/2016 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS 2015/16), 10% of women aged 15-49 have been circumcised. The prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in rural areas is double than urban areas. The project is implemented in rural areas Dodoma, the second region with high prevalence of FGM in Tanzania.
Our Beneficieries say
Project achievements todaTE
IO8 Intermediaries trained
The project has been able to train 108 intermediaries to support project implementation.
8 wards covered in 2 districts
The project has managed to cover 8 wards in two districts of Kondoa and Kongwa districts. The covered wards include; 1. Busi 2. Itololo 3. Mnenia 4. Thawi 5. Chamkoroma 6. Kongwa 7. Chitego 8. Lenjulu
34 Female genital cutters were reached
The project has managed to reach 34 female genital cutters (Ngaribas) and provided with education on consequences of FGM on SRHR for women and girls.
4010 direct beneficiarias were reached
4010 Girls/women reached through outreach campaigns activities.
1374 indirect beneficiaries were reached
1374 Indirect beneficiaries reached through outreach activities. This group include men and boys, and elders.