The Network Against Female Genital Mutilation (NAFGEM) is a non-governmental organization registered in Tanzania with 110 individual members. Since its inception in late 1998, NAFGEM has worked to eliminate of harmful traditional practices affecting girls and women, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other types of gender based violence. For over 15 years, NAFGEM has engaged communities in the Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions contributing to the protection and empowerment of targeted beneficiaries. NAFGEM Tanzania has used multiple strategies to ensure anti-FGM/child marriage messages spread in the targeted communities and that all social groups including government institutions are challenged to take deliberate measures to end harmful traditional practices. In March 2015, the organization received an award from Tanzania’s Ministry of Community Development Children and Gender, in recognition for its contribution in the fight against FGM and child marriage.
NAFGEM’s main focus is to raise awareness among grass-root communities, where these customs are still being practiced, through holding educational seminars, training workshops, and sensitization and awareness campaigns at various community events. Through educating these communities about the serious effects of FGM, we aim to empower women and young girls to put an end to this practice.