The project will work to initiate and engage female genital cutters (Ngaribas) to alternative income generating activities. This will reduce dependence on FGM/C by linking Ngaribas to existing financial opportunities including but not limited to Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOS), Villabe Community Banking (VICOBA) and accessing loans and grants specifically allocated by the government for women.
There is evidence that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) increases the health risks and impact badly women's sexual and reproductive health. The current Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS 2015-2016) revealed that FGM is still a problem in Tanzania however the prevalence varies from region to region. Manyara and Dodoma regions have been reported to be one among the regions in Tanzania with high prevalence of FGM with prevalence of 58% and 47% respectively.
The proposed innovation focus on initiating new source of income generating activities that will create opportunities for women who financially benefit from FGM to opt for alternative sources of income. The innovation will include participatory involvement of stakeholders particularly FGM perpetrators, local churches, local government, and Diaconic groups so as to ensure actors own the project.
Due to empowerment of traditional FGM cutters (Ngaribas), the project will be able to make them be the agent of change. Empowered ngaribas will be envisioned to participate fully in identifying and addressing FGM activities . Through training to Ngaribas, the project will initiate ngaribas to be independent and engage in other financial generating activities, women and young girls will become confident of their own sexual and reproductive health and take action against FGM activities.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
