End Female Genital Mutilation project

This project is motivated by GTZ's observation that many local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Guinea were employing a medicalised and patronising approach in their sessions with communities that did not take into account the cultural value and function of the practice of FGM. To prepare the ground for the move from a directive and medical to a dialogue approach, GTZ provided technical advice to these NGOs, inviting them to undertake action research. The NGOs were trained to carry out open focus group discussions, and to show respect and interest to all views and opinions that would be expressed. The organisers believe this is a move away from usual negative and medicalised information campaigns about FGM.

After the research, NGOs were requested to organise generation dialogues, which were held in different communities. Elders and young people of the same sex came together for a dialogue project, including two workshops with a field dialogue phase in between. In the workshops, both generations had the opportunity to present their perspectives with regard to a man's or a woman's life path, in the past and in the modern world. The meaning and function of the FGM initiation ritual was explored, as well as the changing needs and challenges for youngsters in the modern world. “Careful moderating techniques ensured that both sides were heard, listened to and respected.” Issues such as HIV/AIDS, premarital sex, domestic violence and forced marriages were also addressed.

Women, Gender, Rights, HIV/AIDS.

The project organisers say the action research turned out to be not just a positive learning experience for the NGOs, but also their most effective intervention for a long time, because the communities felt listened to and were able to express their views, including their firm belief in their traditions as well as their doubts and ambivalences with regard to the practice. Sharing their concerns, and seeing that others were ambivalent as well, introduced a new discourse and new behavioural options for the communities.

”This approach is based on the assumption that development can only happen when we create a safe space for discussion and dialogue, where people feel respected and heard, where culture and tradition are taken seriously, yet can be adapted to a changing world.”

To date, GTZ has also encouraged and facilitated generation dialogues in Mali and Kenya.