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 ENDING FGM 

After three days of insightful discussions, the second International Conference on Female Genital Mutilation ended on Wednesday in Tanzania's port city of Dar es Salaam — but the bulk of the work lies ahead.

Bernadette Loloju, the CEO of the Anti-FGM Board Kenya, attended the conference

The meeting was fueled by a unified spirit calling for 'change in a generation' in the context of eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM), a procedure long-labelled a harmful practice and a violation of human rights.

Besides victims bearing the brunt of the irreversible physical and mental scars caused by FGM, the procedure can, at its worst, also lead to the death of those cut.

In Dar es Salaam, there was a general sense of appreciation that youth voices are a powerful force for change.

And at the conclusion of engagements at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, the youths that blended with the older generation were inequivocal in their demands.

"We call upon governments worldwide to heed our call: enact and enforce comprehensive legislation banning FGM with severe penalties," said Dr Costly Aderibigbe, the executive secretary of Global Youth Consortium Against FGM.

▪️  More work lies ahead in eliminating cross-border FGM

Dr Costly Aderibigbe, the executive secretary of Global Youth Consortium Against FGM

In a united voice, they sounded the need for inclusive policies and programmes that empower and protect girls and women, on top of urgency in collaboration and action.

Additionally, they committed to developing a youth-led social accountability and reporting framework, as well as engaging men and boys as allies in efforts to eliminate FGM.

Including people with disabilities in prevention and awareness campaigns was also part of the youth statement.

"We commit to co-create the first African Union Convention on Ending FGM," added Nigerian Aderibigbe, who is also the founder of Value Female Network that tackles harmful social and gender norms.

The conference convened by the African Union Commission and supported by UNFPA, UNICEF and Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme offered an ideal platform to take stock of efforts to eliminate FGM as well ways to accelerate the energies — while keeping in mind that the global target of 2030 is not far off.

▪️ Anti-FGM frontliners urge donors to 'trust us with your resources'

Across the three days of the meeting, FGM came under intense spotlight for its scarring effects on millions of girls and women globally.

Applying community-led solutions was presented as an effective way of connecting better with practising communities in the hope that along the way, mindsets can gravitate away from a procedure that has been experienced by over 200 million girls and women alive today, according to the United Nations.

Some like Leshan Kereto, a Kenyan activist that is part of the African Union's Youth Reference Committee, feel that more healthcare professionals should be involved in ongoing efforts to eliminate FGM.

"This includes training healthcare providers to recognize and report cases of FGM, as well as providing medical and much-needed psychological support to survivors," he said. 

Meanwhile, politicians, funders and partners alike paid close attention to the openly candid discussions.

"Be the change you want to see!" rallied Tanzanian gender and culture minister Dorothy Gwajima.

"We must transform gender and social norms and amplify voices of grassroots organizations to create a world in which girls can achieve their full potential."

Then, the European Union (EU) ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, said that at least 600,000 women are living with the consequences of FGM and another 180,000 girls and women are at risk of undergoing the procedure inside the EU.

"To scale up efforts to end FGM, we must especially engage with young generations," she told the delegates.

"The EU is fully committed to empower, educate and connect young generations, giving them voice and consulting them on needs and hopes for the future."

EU ambassador to Tanzania Christine Grau said the youths must be engaged in the anti-FGM fight

The ambassador said ensuring that women's right to decide over their own body and not have it harmed is important.

Working with the United Nations and other actors, the EU has invested in efforts to fight violence against women globally.

Such funding includes €500 million (nearly sh2 trillion) for the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative and  €18.5 million (sh73.1 billion) for UNICEF-UNFPA to eradicate FGM in 17 nations.

Although this money is pumped into anti-FGM campaigns and a marked decrease in prevalence has been noted in the last three decades, Julius Otim, the regional coordinator for the Spotlight Initiative in Africa, said progress remains inconsistent.

He noted that FGM is now being done underground or across borders to sidestep prosecution where the practice is outlawed, like in Uganda.

But for the vice to abate, global action must be ramped up.

Among the key actions and recommendations advanced by the conference include prioritizing regional co-operation and research to tackle cross-border FGM as well as investing in data and advocacy.

Gender state minister Peace Mutuuzo delivering her insights during the ministerial panel

Other recommendations include implementing new response techniques and supporting social movements involving young activists, civil society as well as cultural and religious leaders.

Even more important is enhancing global, regional, and grassroots-driven accountability frameworks.

On the final day of the conference, Orchid Project, which works to advocate for increased resources towards ending FGM, launched the EndFGM Africa Network.

It is an African-led initiative hoping to provide a platform for a united voice to influence decision-makers at all levels and to drive co-ordinated advocacy targeted towards ending  FGM on the continent.