Dar es Salaam — FOR generations, female genital mutilation (FGM) has been defended in some communities as a cultural tradition.
But across Tanzania, a growing movement is challenging that narrative and calling on communities to recognise a simple truth that no tradition should come at the expense of a girl's health, dignity and human rights.
In a renewed effort to accelerate the fight against the practice, the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, in collaboration with C-Sema and with funding from the European Union, has launched a campaign to disseminate Tanzania's National Multi-Sectoral Strategy to End Female Genital Mutilation.
The campaign, known as the Caravan for the Dissemination of the National Multi-Sectoral Strategy to End FGM, is targeting five regions identified as having high levels of the practice including Dodoma, Manyara, Arusha, Mara and Singida.
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Launched on July 19, this year, the campaign is taking the message directly to communities, bringing together government officials, traditional leaders, religious leaders, women, men, young people, teachers, health providers, media and development partners.
According to the caravan coordinator, Mr Dennis Moses, the campaign reflects a growing understanding that ending FGM cannot be left to the government alone.
"FGM is not the responsibility of the Government alone, but the responsibility of every member of society, including parents, religious leaders, traditional leaders, young people, women, men, teachers, service providers, the media and development partners," he said.
The campaign is targeting the five regions because of the continued prevalence of FGM in some communities.
Mr Moses said Arusha and Manyara remain among the regions with the highest reported prevalence, at 43 per cent. For many girls and women, FGM is not simply a cultural practice.
It can have lifelong consequences, including severe pain, bleeding, infections, and complications during childbirth and psychological trauma.
Yet the practice often continues because of social pressure, fear of rejection and the belief that girls must undergo it to be accepted by their communities.
During the campaign, a team of experts from the Ministry is visiting six councils to disseminate the strategy and strengthen community action.
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The outreach began in Chemba District Council in Dodoma and will continue in Monduli, Babati, Serengeti, Tarime and Singida councils. For women and girls, the campaign offers more than a policy document.
It represents a renewed effort to strengthen prevention, raise awareness and encourage communities to protect girls from a practice that continues to affect their health, education and future opportunities.
Mr Moses said lasting progress will depend on continued collaboration among government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, parents, teachers, health workers, the media and development partners.
As the caravan continues across the five regions, organisers hope the discussions taking place in communities will encourage more families to abandon the practice and embrace the shared responsibility of safeguarding the rights and well-being of every girl.
