Steps Toward Ending Female Genital Mutilation
Alexandria
Steps Toward Ending Female Genital Mutilation
When a girl undergoes female genital mutilation, a decision is made about her body and her life without giving her the right to choose. FGM can cause physical and health-related harm that may continue for years, as well as pain and psychological trauma that can affect a girl’s sense of safety and her relationship with her body and herself.
The project works with girls, women, and their families, as well as community members and service providers. Through awareness-raising and direct outreach, it provides medical, psychological, social, and legal counseling, and builds the capacities of people who can support families and protect girls from FGM.
Back to the program
Where the project works
Services are provided in Alexandria Governorate, focusing on areas where FGM is more prevalent. The project reaches girls and women at increased risk, their families, and influential community members and service providers, including doctors, nurses, and counselors.
Key Project Results
- 197 girls were protected from FGM, representing 46% of the girls identified as being at risk.
- 267 families were reached through 600 home visits.
- The percentage of families rejecting FGM increased from 6% to 45%.
- 879 beneficiaries received counseling over 119 days, and 45% of them decided to reject FGM.
- Eight doctors, 11 nursing and health education staff, and 165 nursing school students were trained.
- 902 people were reached through advocacy, and three community outreach teams were trained.
Main Project Activities
- Home visits to identify girls at greater risk and provide families with information and support.
- Awareness meetings and direct and digital advocacy about the harms of FGM.
- Medical, psychological, social, legal, and religious counseling through the counseling unit and mobile units.
- Training for doctors, nursing and health education staff, and nursing school students.
- Community outreach teams to reach families and girls.
- Follow-up with families and evaluation of changes in attitudes toward FGM.
Implementation Partners
- Caritas Egypt – Alexandria Office
- Local partner organization
- Health units and family health centers
- Doctors, nursing staff, and health education personnel
- Nursing schools
- Counselors in medical, psychological, social, legal, and religious fields
- Religious leaders and influential community members
Supporting organization: Missio.
Every Attempt Deserves Support
The mind may forget the details of what happened, but the body does not always forget. With your support, you can help protect girls from carrying these effects with them and support families with the information that may help them protect their daughters. Some decisions cannot be undone, but we can prevent them from happening. You can help through your time, expertise, or support.
