Association for the Termination of Female Genital Mutilation
ATFGM developed community programmes in Tanzania addressing female genital mutilation, child protection and support for girls and women. A 2023 partner report describes work around Masanga and Tarime, school-based activities and cooperation across the Kenyan border.
Organization profile
- Organization type
- Advocacy organization
- Headquarters / base
- Masanga, Tarime, Tanzania
- Geographic scope
- Tanzania; documented cross-border work with Kenya
Medical focus
Activities
Population served
Community origins and geographic focus
ATFGM’s historical account links its formation to requests from girls and parents in the Kurya community for protection from female genital mutilation. It describes the involvement of the Daughters of Charity in Masanga and a community initiative following a 2008 visit by the Bishop of Musoma.
The organisation’s historical base is recorded as Masanga in Tarime, Mara Region. Its website describes work in Tanzania, including Mara and Loliondo, and communities near the Kenyan border. These details describe the geographical setting of the documented programmes.
Sources: [1].
Prevention and support described in the sources
The CISU partner profile describes ATFGM’s work as combining community education with practical protection and support. The listed activities include:
- Advocacy and training involving community leaders and local child-protection committees.
- Child-rights clubs, peer education and awareness work with students.
- Counselling for families and survivors, alongside shelter and referral-related support.
- Alternative rites of passage and work with traditional elders and former practitioners.
Sources: [2].
Documented partner activities in 2023
A Terre des Hommes Netherlands report dated 17 April 2023 identifies ATFGM as a partner in activities held in and around Masanga from late March to early April that year. The visit included the launch of GIVE TZ 2 and discussions with peer educators in school-based child-rights clubs.
The report also records ATFGM’s participation in a cross-border forum on trafficking, sexual abuse and exploitation. Participants from Kenya and Tanzania discussed efforts to prevent FGM and protect children in border communities. Work described during the visit also addressed the participation and protection of children with disabilities.