Gender & Protection Program
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is one of this Health sector programme which is a violation of human rights of women and girls. Even if not intended as a violent act, the practice is de facto crime. FGM/C is also a critical reproductive health issue which must be approached with clear understanding of the cultural context in which it is practiced.
The practice is rooted in cultural understandings of gender, marriage and family. These understandings influence how it is viewed and tolerated in different contexts. Despite the diversity found across and within the villages/sites intervened in the projects, the experiences reported confirm that in communities where it is practiced, FGM/C is viewed as a necessary step to raise and protect a girl and often to make her eligible for marriage. It operates as a social convention and a social norm, and is held in place by reciprocal expectations within those communities.
Major areas of focus include:
– Awareness raising program on FGM/C, HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
– Community education on the effects of Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/FGC),
– Design and production of IEC materials
– Conducting sensitization training for teachers, CECs, youth and religious leaders etc.
– Training for Trainers (ToT) training on FGM/C
– Television debates
– Posting articles on FGM/C implications on social networks
– Support to the mentally sick patients of Hargeisa Group Hospital
– Training on hygiene and sanitation in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities
