Description
Reports from Sudan indicate that the repercussions of the April 15, 2023 war have led to the re-emergence of certain harmful practices, most notably female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, as a result of economic and social crises and the absence of legal oversight.
Despite these challenges, community-based initiatives such as the Saleema” initiative have continued their efforts with the active involvement of men in various roles, including community facilitators and local leaders. These men have participated in dialogue sessions and awareness-raising workshops and have contributed to persuading some families to abandon the practice of FGM, particularly in the northern states and in areas such as Wadi Halfa and Atbara.
Male officials involved in these efforts have also emphasized the need to strengthen legal oversight and sustain awareness-raising activities to protect children and women. They noted that their work includes training on communication skills and community dialogue facilitation, as well as engaging families and local communities to ensure a lasting impact on social behaviors and the elimination of harmful practices.
However, some local communities continue to fear a return to harmful practices rooted in customs, traditions, and local beliefs—a situation attributed by some observers to the limited reach of current awareness campaigns. Active youth groups are calling for the expansion of outreach efforts in closed communities and for ensuring access to available tools to foster advocacy aimed at eliminating harmful practices affecting women of all ages. They also stressed the importance of enforcing existing laws and adopting deterrent legislation to address these practices.
Source: https://www.medameek.com/?p=186449
To end FGM : Arab boys and men speak out
