FAWCO Target Project 4.0 Wrap-Up

Target Project 4.0, Safe Alternatives for FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) Elimination was wrapped up on March 4, 2022. The monetary goal was set at $140,000 and I’m happy to say we reached $176.000 through fundraising. Proudly our Club raised $2524 over the last 3 years, even with the challenge of Covid for 2 of those years.

Through the funds raised FAWCO was able to:

• Identify 523 families who had experienced FGM and offer them various forms of support, including extensive psychological counseling for the survivors, family and communities.
• Hold 13 ARP (Alternative Rites of Passage) ceremonies with more than 5,000 attendees.
• Provide 810 dignity kits to the girls.
• Reconcile 402 girls with their families, after the families signed a legal contract outlining their commitment to keep their daughters safe and not proceed with FGM or any other form of GBV (gender-based violence); regular follow-up is done to ensure this is adhered to.
• Educate 1,126 women and girls on sexual and reproductive health, GBV, life skills and maternal and neonatal care.
• Train 146 peer educators in ways to support the fight to eliminate FGM.
• Provide 20 women′s groups with seed funding to start income-generating projects.
• Conduct empowerment meetings in five villages with 200 attendees.
• Provide extensive community and school awareness, including roadshows, school awareness sessions, film screening sessions, leaflets, women’s forums, radio programs and billboards.
• And finally, all important, establishing even closer relationships with various role players at central and local government level.

Always remember:

“One person can make a difference. You don't have to be a big shot. You don't have to have a lot of influence. You just have to have faith in your power to change things.”

Norman Vincent Peale

Onward to Target Project 5.0. Our Natural Environment: Empowering Women and Girls to Ensure a Sustainable Future