Hope for Girls embarks on national strategy to wipe out FGM

AFTER its remarkable achievements in the fight against GBV, especially FGM and child marriages in Mara Region, Hope for Girls and Women in Tanzania (HGWT) is now embarking on the 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 National Strategy Campaign aiming at eliminating the harmful cultural practice, through public education and creating awareness.

Implementation of the government strategy involves providing education and laying emphasis on the negative effects of FGM on the lives of girls, and also showing that the outdated practice is in breach of law and human rights.

Speaking while educating the public on the negative consequences of FGM in Serengeti and Tarime districts early this week, HGWT Managing Director Rhobi Samwelly said the aim is to reduce the rate of this practice in Mara Region from 50 per cent to four percent by 2029/2030.

“We believe that girls who are the main victims of FGM, will now be safe to go to school and pursue their dreams for a better future,” said Rhobi, who is a member of the team that includes officials from the Ministry of Social Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.

Members of the public hailed the local NGO based in Mara region (HGWT) for spearheading the campaign against FGM and child marriages in Mara Region.

A resident of Serengeti, Wankuru Marwa said the organization has rescued many girls whose dreams could have otherwise been shattered.

“Many girls have been saved from being subjected to FGM and early marriages. I appeal to the government to take stern measures against parents who still practice FGM and deny their girls education opportunities,” said Marwa.

Boniphace Samson, also from Serengeti praised HGWT and traditional leaders saying their joint efforts has protected many girls from being subjected to FGM and are now in school.

Rhoda Chacha of Tarime showered praise on HGWT saying their campaign has helped communities to understand the social ills of FGM. A former mutilator in Tarime, Anita Nyangi who had plans to subject her daughter to FGM, said ‘she laid down’ her tools after receiving education on the harmful practice.

“ My daughter is now a third year university student,” she said.

Oh his part, Tarime DC, Major Edward Gowele thanked HGWT for their unwavering efforts in the campaign against FGM and child marriages in Mara Region.

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“In this campaign, we have learnt that FGM is a GBV, and a breach of human rights. So parents and traditional leaders should help spread this campaign and educate the people to end this cultural practice,’’ said Major Gowele.

Available data show that HGWT has rescued a total of 4, 481 girls from being mutilated between 2017 and 2025. Many of the girls have graduated from higher learning institutions, secondary schools and colleges.

They had been sheltered in two safe houses run by the organization in Butiama and Serengeti districts.

According to Rhobi, the organization’s remarkable achievements were made possible, thanks to partners who include Tanzania Development Trust-UK Charity, Netzwerk Rafael- Germany, Polish Aid, Kiabakari Foundation and Hope for Girls and Women France, French Embassy in Tanzania and FAWCO Foundation.

Others are Mapito Safari Camp Serengeti,Rishen Patel , Grumeti Reserves, Four Seasons Hotels, Nomad Tanzania, June Powell, UNFPA-C Sema, ACP –France, Wojiciech Adam, Konscielniak, Julian and Ann Marcus.