For decades, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has scarred the lives of millions of women and girls in Egypt, driven by cultural practices and misconceptions about religious obligations. However, a transformative initiative supported by the European Union (EU) and led by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF is challenging these harmful traditions and empowering communities to take action.
The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM is not only focused on ending the practice but also on restoring dignity, health, and hope to communities long affected by it. This initiative is fostering significant social change through grassroots efforts, education, and the involvement of key figures like religious leaders, survivors, and volunteers.
A Religious Leader’s Change of Heart
Abdel Moneim Muhammad Abdel Rahman Abu Al-Naga, a 67-year-old religious leader from a small village in Egypt, initially believed that FGM was a religious obligation. “I grew up believing FGM was a religious duty. No one questioned it,” he says. But after attending a session organized by the UNFPA-UNICEF programme, his perspective changed dramatically.
Abdel Moneim explains, “The project opened our eyes to the fact that FGM is not only harmful but also criminalized.” Overcoming initial resistance, he became a vocal advocate against FGM, using his position to educate his community about the physical, psychological, and social harms of the practice.
His efforts have faced resistance, especially from men in the community, but with persistence, he has become a key figure in challenging the entrenched belief that FGM is a religious obligation. His involvement reflects the program’s success in engaging male community members, a vital step in reshaping societal attitudes towards FGM.
Survivors Leading the Change
Rabab Abdul Rahim, a survivor of FGM, is another powerful advocate for change. After enduring trauma from the procedure, Rabab joined a local awareness session and found emotional support that helped her overcome her pain. She says, “Everything they said during the first session resonated with me.” As she processed her trauma, Rabab became determined to help others by spreading awareness.
Her passion has earned her the nickname “Rabab sessions” in her community. She regularly walks through her village, encouraging women to attend awareness sessions and engage in discussions about FGM. “I am proud that I’m delivering a message and helping to save families,” Rabab says, demonstrating the power of survivor-led advocacy.
Engaging Men and Communities
Another key component of the programme is engaging men and boys in conversations about FGM—traditionally seen as a women’s issue. Male advocate Ahmed Gamil Abdel Wahab uses empathy to challenge misconceptions, asking men to consider the impact of FGM on their own family members. Through activities like sports, interactive theatre, and workshops, Ahmed has helped create a new understanding among men, fostering community-wide support for ending FGM.
The programme’s success also includes a widespread media campaign. The EU-funded “360 Degree Surround and Engage Platform Campaign,” launched by UNFPA in 2023, utilized social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, alongside a compelling TV drama series, “Berry Leaves.” This campaign has reached millions, sparking conversations across Egypt about FGM, child marriage, and family planning.
Making a Lasting Impact
The impact of the programme is particularly noticeable in rural areas, where the medicalization of FGM remains a significant issue. Training medical providers and updating legal frameworks are vital steps in countering this trend. The programme also focuses on empowering younger doctors to resist social pressure and maintain ethical standards.
The road to eliminating FGM in Egypt is long, but as survivors like Rabab and advocates like Abdel Moneim continue their work, progress is being made. With over 100 million people in Egypt, the scale of the challenge is immense, but the programme has already seen a decrease in the prevalence of FGM among ever-married women from 92% in 2014 to 86% in 2021. The success of these efforts offers hope that future generations will grow up in a world where FGM is no longer a part of their cultural landscape.
As Abdel Moneim emphasizes, “Even if 10% understand and know the harms of FGM, at least they will tell more people and spread it.” Change takes time, but each small ripple brings Egypt closer to a future where FGM no longer harms its women and girls.
