ASWAN ASPIRE: Together Against FGM

The project aims to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Aswan by empowering girls and young women with knowledge and skills to advocate for their rights, educating caregivers and communities about the harmful effects of FGM, and challenging entrenched social norms. Through awareness, capacity building, and community engagement, the project seeks to create a sustainable environment that supports gender equality and eradicates harmful practices.

The Aswan Aspire project addresses the deeply rooted issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Upper Egypt's Aswan Governorate. The challenge lies in combating entrenched social norms, misinformation, and gender-based inequalities perpetuating FGM. This initiative aims to empower girls, engage caregivers, and mobilize community leaders to increase awareness, challenge harmful practices, and establish a supportive ecosystem for reporting and preventing FGM.

The persistence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Aswan stems from entrenched social norms, gender inequalities, and misinformation, perpetuated across generations. Despite gradual shifts in attitudes, high prevalence and medicalization remain significant challenges. Immediate action is needed to empower girls, educate communities, challenge harmful traditions, and establish systems for reporting and preventing FGM to ensure the rights and safety of women and girls.

The project will implement awareness campaigns, training sessions for caregivers, youth, and community leaders, and establish youth clubs and safe spaces to foster dialogue on FGM. Religious leaders and medical staff will be engaged to challenge misconceptions. Measures include capacity-building workshops, community dialogues, and education materials. Resources needed include training materials, facilitators, venues, and partnerships with local organizations.

The project collaborates with Plan International Egypt, local Community Development Associations (CDAs), and governmental bodies in Aswan. Religious leaders, medical staff, and community leaders will be engaged to challenge FGM practices. Partnerships include schools, local village committees, and stakeholders such as UNICEF and UNFPA for expertise. Collaboration extends to local communities to ensure sustainability and ownership of the intervention.

The project adopts a socio-ecological approach, engaging individuals, families, and communities to address the root causes of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). By empowering girls, educating caregivers, and involving influential figures like religious leaders and medical staff, it tackles harmful norms holistically. Tailored activities and sustained community engagement ensure behavioral shifts, fostering long-term reductions in FGM and promoting gender equality.

This project’s unique strength lies in its holistic, community-driven approach to addressing FGM, combining education, empowerment, and systemic engagement. Plan International Egypt's deep grassroots connections, expertise in gender equality, and proven track record in similar initiatives ensure effective implementation. The organization's focus on capacity building and sustainability guarantees lasting impact, empowering communities to lead transformative change.