Global Summit Tackles FGM and Child Marriage: Innovators Drive Change
In a powerful gathering of global minds, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, joined forces with the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and the Spotlight Initiative to host a three-day summit on the deeply ingrained social and cultural norms surrounding FGM and child marriage.
Taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 18-20, this summit brought together key stakeholders from 27 countries, including policymakers, young innovators, FGM experts, enterprise coaches, donors, investors, and digital communicators.
With only seven years left to achieve the global target of eliminating FGM, it is crucial to take collective and well-funded action, along with innovative approaches to raise community awareness, in order to put an end to this harmful practice. To meet the Sustainable Development Goals’ objective of eradicating FGM by 2030, we must intensify evidence-based efforts and innovation.
The numbers surrounding FGM and child marriage are staggering. Globally, approximately 200 million girls and women across three continents have undergone FGM, with an alarming 80% of cases occurring in Africa. Meanwhile, an estimated 650 million girls worldwide have experienced child marriage, with 130 million of them being African. FGM not only violates the rights of women and girls but also perpetuates gender inequality and inflicts severe physical and mental damage. If left unaddressed, another 68 million women and girls could be affected by 2030.
Led by youth and women, this summit focused on promoting innovative interventions to combat these harmful practices and equip the next generation with the tools to advocate for the rights of women and girls.
During the event, African social innovators presented their solutions to FGM and child marriage. Two projects, AfyaToon and SmartRR, stood out for their potential impact. AfyaToon, a start-up based in Tanzania, utilizes visual arts to educate and raise awareness about FGM and health education. On the other hand, SmartRR, a Nigerian mobile app, aims to connect survivors of FGM and gender-based violence with the necessary support.
The summit’s aim was not only to showcase these innovative projects but also to provide a platform for critical discussions and knowledge-sharing. Through interactive sessions, young innovators enhanced their technical and leadership capacities, thus strengthening their ability to combat harmful practices.
In her opening speech, Ms. Lydia Zigomo, Regional Director for UNFPA East and Southern Africa, stressed the importance of collaboration in creating a world where women and girls can live without the dark cloud of FGM and child marriage. She encouraged participants to embrace innovation as a driving force towards a more equitable and just society.
In their closing statement, the participants pledged to foster innovation as a catalyst for change. They vowed to break barriers, empower change, inspire innovation, strengthen capacities, and create networking opportunities. They emphasized the significance of knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and mutual support in the ongoing fight against harmful practices affecting women and girls.
It is clear that eliminating FGM and child marriage requires a multi-faceted approach and the commitment of various stakeholders. Adequate funding, evidence-based strategies, and innovative interventions are crucial elements in achieving global targets. By leveraging the power of innovation and collaboration, we can create a future where women and girls are free from the shackles of harmful practices, allowing them to reach their full potential.
