International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM 2025: The Crucial Role of Education in Preventing FGM in Marginalized Communities
by Grace Mbugua
Every year, on February 6, the world comes together to observe the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day serves as a crucial reminder of the global commitment to eliminate FGM and ensure that every girl and woman has the right to live free from violence, harm, and discrimination. According to UNICEF an estimated 200 million women and girls currently alive have undergone FGM, it is evident that the fight to eradicate this harmful practice is far from over. Education has emerged as one of the most powerful tools in the battle against FGM, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities where the practice persists.
Understanding FGM: A Global Health and Human Rights Issue
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and carries lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological consequences. Despite global efforts to end the practice, millions of girls are still subjected to FGM each year, particularly in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In many cases, FGM is performed in line with deeply rooted cultural traditions that associate it with femininity, marriageability, and social acceptance.
The Link Between Education and FGM Prevention
Education is one of the most effective ways to prevent FGM. When communities, especially girls, are educated about their rights and the harmful effects of FGM, they are more likely to reject the practice. Educating young girls, families, and communities creates awareness of the dangers of FGM, empowers girls to advocate for their rights, and fosters a collective community stance against harmful traditions.
At Bridge International Academies, we recognize the importance of education in preventing FGM. Our work focuses on fostering gender equality and safeguarding in underserved communities. We believe that providing equitable access to education is fundamental to eliminating practices like FGM.
Key Contributions of Bridge International Academies to Education and Safeguarding
Bridge International Academies adopts a unique, evidence-based approach to education, ensuring that gender equality is prioritized within the classroom. Our methodology guarantees that girls are given the same opportunities as boys to thrive academically, making strides in their learning at the same rate as their male counterparts. This gender-sensitive approach not only promotes academic achievement but also empowers girls by teaching them about their rights, including the right to be free from harmful practices such as FGM.
1. Ensuring Gender Parity in the Classroom
Our commitment to gender equality is reflected in the structure of our classrooms. By prioritizing equal learning opportunities, girls have the chance to excel alongside boys. This results in an environment where girls gain confidence in their abilities and are better equipped to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.
2. Safeguarding Education: Keeping Girls Safe
At Bridge, safeguarding is not an afterthought; it is integrated into every aspect of our educational system. We understand that the risk of FGM often increases when girls are vulnerable to other forms of abuse. Therefore, we have designed a comprehensive safeguarding approach that educates both students and teachers.
- Regular Safeguarding Messaging: We ensure that safeguarding messages are consistently communicated to students and staff. These messages appear on all teacher tablets and are part of our ongoing communication efforts, ensuring that safeguarding is always a priority.
领英推荐
- Safeguarding Sessions: At the beginning of each term, safeguarding sessions are incorporated into the school timetable. These sessions equip students with knowledge on how to keep themselves safe and how to report any safeguarding concerns. This proactive approach empowers girls to speak up and seek help if they are at risk of FGM or other forms of abuse.
- The "Child Champion Promise": All school staff reaffirm their commitment to child protection by re-signing the "Child Champion Promise." This promise ensures that our teachers and staff remain dedicated to safeguarding the well-being of every student.
3. Community Collaboration in Safeguarding
Bridge International Academies recognizes that child safeguarding cannot be achieved in isolation. By collaborating with like-minded organizations, we can build a supportive network for children, especially girls at risk of FGM. We are proud to be part of the Child Safeguarding Association of Kenya (CSAK), working alongside other organizations to advocate for children's rights and combat harmful practices like FGM.
Through our community collaboration efforts, Bridge has developed an extensive database of organizations working with children in the communities we serve. This database includes contact details of local partners such as hospitals, police stations, gender officers, children’s officers, and counseling centers. When a safeguarding concern arises, our Resolution Manager ensures that the victim’s family is informed about available resources and conducts follow-ups to provide the necessary support.
4. Empowering Local Communities for Action
In our work with communities, we emphasize the importance of collective action in child safeguarding. We ensure that community leaders, local authorities, and organizations are aware of cases of abuse and can intervene effectively. Our partners are trained to provide guidance, intervention, and counseling, creating a strong support network for children who may be at risk of FGM. By involving local authorities and organizations in the safeguarding process, we create a more robust system of protection for girls.
Efforts to prevent FGM must be closely linked to initiatives aimed at improving girls' access to education. Ensuring that girls can attend school, receive quality education, and stay in school until they complete their secondary education can help delay marriage and prevent FGM. This can be achieved by providing financial support, scholarships, and creating safe and inclusive educational environments.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
On this International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM, we are reminded of the crucial role that education plays in ending this harmful practice. At Bridge International Academies, we take pride in being part of a global movement dedicated to educating and empowering girls in underserved communities. By promoting gender equality in the classroom, providing safeguarding education, and collaborating with communities, we are working toward a safer and more equitable future for girls, one where FGM is a thing of the past.
As we continue our efforts, we urge everyone, governments, organizations, and communities, to invest in the education and protection of girls. Together, we can create a world where no girl is at risk of FGM and every girl has the opportunity to live a life free from violence and harm.
Join us in changing lives. Subscribe to our Newsletter.
That's such important work! FGM is a severe violation of human rights that causes lifelong physical and psychological harm. It is rooted in gender inequality and has no medical or religious justification. Ending FGM requires global awareness, stronger laws, and community-driven education like the work you do. Every girl deserves to grow up free from violence and with control over her own body. #StopFGM