In Tanzania, genital mutilation is still rooted in tradition 

Although excision has been considered a crime in Tanzania since 1998, and training and awareness-raising policies have led to significant progress, many women and girls are still victims of genital mutilation.

This is particularly the case in rural areas such as the Mara region, where the Daughters of Charity have been based since 2006.

"Tradition has it that FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) is imposed to improve hygiene and reduce the sexual desire of women and young girls, so that they do not become prostitutes. It is also believed that this practice protects women from misfortune.

Men always prefer circumcised brides and offer families higher prices if the girl is young and circumcised. The economic gain from the dowry is therefore greater for families if they respect these traditions.

If a girl is not mutilated, she is called "Omusaghane" (and a boy who is not circumcised is called "Omurisy"), which is a humiliation for her. " Sr Jacqueline

To preserve the honour and wealth of the family and to be recognised by society, girls are therefore forced to undergo FGM. 

"These traditional beliefs are compounded by a lack of knowledge on the part of policy-makers and law enforcers, and peer pressure."

Project: Financing school fees for 5 girls who have escaped mutilation and forced marriage 

The Daughters of Charity are based in Masanga in the Tarime district, where most of the 67,000 inhabitants are very poor and earn less than a dollar a day.

They provide health and education and work in partnership with ATFGM Masanga (Association for the Termination of Female Genital Mutilation).

 "We are working to train and raise awareness among families and tribal chiefs about the harmful effects of genital mutilation and forced early marriage of children. "

"The Tarime communities are still very resistant to change, which means that they continue these practices.  They also place little value on girls education. " Sr Jacqueline

The sisters also run

- a shelter for girls fleeing early marriage, domestic violence and sexual assault, or who have been abandoned by their parents because they refuse FGM 

- a primary school

"In the region, girls do not have the opportunity to continue their education. After completing the seventh year of primary school, they are forced to undergo female genital mutilation and then to marry and have children. "

 "We currently have 30 girls who need help to pay their school fees: they are here at the refuge because their parents rejected them because they refused to be circumcised. » Sr Jacqueline

The project will directly support 5 girls who will be enrolled in school.  The other 25 girls, while waiting to find other donors willing to support their schooling, will be made aware of and trained in the harmful effects of female genital mutilation and other forms of violence. 

"By helping these girls who have been abandoned by their parents, we will give them the means to take charge of their lives. And we will enable them to become agents of change in their own communities. " Sr Jacqueline

It takes a great deal of courage to leave behind family, friends and everything they have ever known. 

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