NGO proposes measures to end FGM

Dar es Salaam. In the ongoing battle against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Network Against Female Genital Mutilation in Tanzania has proposed a set of recommendations to eradicate this harmful practice completely.

Despite recent progress, FGM remains a pressing issue in the country, requiring urgent attention, experts agreed.

The Network emphasises the enactment of legislation specifically prohibiting FGM to protect adult women at risk of undergoing the procedure.

This measure aims at establishing a comprehensive legal framework for prosecuting perpetrators and safeguarding women's rights.

"Despite the significant efforts being made by the government and stakeholders to eradicate female genital mutilation in the country, there are still several things to be done to completely eliminate this harmful and outdated practice in our communities," said C-SEMA’s Head of Programmes, Michael Marwa.

Addressing the link between early marriage and FGM, the Network calls for amendments to the Marriage Act of 1971, particularly regarding the minimum age of marriage for girls.

"Legislative reforms are deemed crucial in tackling the root causes of FGM," he added.

Furthermore, the network stresses the importance of legal reforms holding traditional elders and parents accountable for their involvement in FGM. Strict penalties can deter this harmful practice and promote accountability within communities.

High-level government officials are urged to openly support efforts to eliminate FGM, raising awareness and mobilising resources. Additionally, the network calls for a dedicated budget to implement the national action plan against FGM (2021–2024).

To address the cross-border nature of FGM, the network recommends a regional cross-border declaration action plan involving five countries, aiming to coordinate efforts and strengthen cooperation.

Vigorous law enforcement is crucial to ensuring perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted, demanding commitment from law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, the network stresses continued collaboration between the government, NGOs, and international partners in combating FGM and gender-based violence.

According to the Demographic and Health Survey of 2022, FGM prevalence has slightly decreased, but the decrease is minimal.

The report indicates that 8 percent of women aged 15–49 have undergone FGM, down from 10 percent in the 2015–16 data.

In urban areas, FGM has decreased from 5 percent to 4 percent, and in rural areas, it has decreased from 13 percent to 11 percent.

However, the new data shows that 34 percent of those mutilated were under the age of 5, while 28 percent were mutilated between the ages of 10 and 14.

“This indicates that despite these efforts, those who believe and practice FGM have been devising new methods to mutilate children at even younger ages. This is cruelty to young girls, as it deprives them of their rights at a very young age," noted Neema Kasabuliro from the Tanzania Media Women's Association (TAMWA) on her part.

Arusha is mentioned as the leading region with the highest FGM prevalence, followed by Manyara, Mara, Singida and Dodoma.

According to the network, there are many reasons why FGM continues, one of which is the secrecy prevalent in the communities involved.

Stakeholders noted that these communities, believing that circumcision is their tradition, continue to keep secrets and protect those perpetrating these acts to shield them from the law. This situation continues to subject girls and women to abuse without assistance.

The network of organisations against FGM in the country continues to stand firm in ensuring that FGM ends by 2030 to align with global sustainable development strategies to eliminate all forms of discrimination and violence against women and children, as well as national strategies as outlined in the national action plan against all forms of violence against women and children.