Importance of local Capacity Enhancement in Fighting FGM Practice

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is widely practiced in all regions of Sudan and the prevalence rate is 86.6% among females aged 15-49 years. (UNIFEF FGM Factsheet,2022).

Adam Fadulalmulah is a 26-year-old active community influencer from the East Nile locality – Khartoum. Adam received comprehensive training on Gender-based Violence Minimum Standards as part of capacity improvement followed by awareness-raising sessions on different GBV topics such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The training and awareness sessions were organized by NADA Elazhar for Disaster Prevention and Sustainable Development (NADA).

Adam Said, “Before attending the FGM awareness sessions, I had no idea about the subject, the risks and harms that FGM causes to our young girls!”  

Even though Adam didn’t receive trainer training, he felt responsible for educating others and disseminating FGM-related information among his surrounding community members.  

Adam began by discussing with his sister and her husband the risks and harmful impact of FGM on a girl's life.  Despite the decrease in the percentage of practicing FGM before the war erupted on April 15^th, 2023. Local people practice FGM because there was a false belief that FGM minimizes the risks of being pregnant as a result of rape. Fortunately, because of Adam's advice, the sister and her husband canceled a planned event to circumcise their youngest daughter. They regretted what they did to their previous girls.

Adam said” I’m so happy and proud that I was enabled through FGM awareness raising to save the lives of young girls within our extended family, I am looking forward to continue saving other girls' lives in the East Nile locality.

Enthusiastic Adam continued the dissemination of awareness messages on FGM among active community members, especially at youth gatherings. He is looking forward to having more awareness sessions and training on the GBV risks and enabling people to directly address their questions and concerns.  He is thankful for NADA's efforts in raising awareness and advocating for the prevention of FGM and minimizing the GBV risks.