ELCT leaders present women who have completed their studies and skills training with tools to become self-sufficient. Photo: ELCT
Communities enabled to reflect together on alternative, non-harmful rites of passage for girls entering adulthood
(LWI) - The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has reported significant success in its campaign to prevent the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), with over 3,200 girls rescued from becoming victims. The campaign has made progress in raising awareness about this harmful practice, offering high quality health services to survivors, alternative livelihoods to practitioners and educational support to girls who have fled from the traditional coming-of-age ritual.
The project, supported by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was entitled ‘Confronting silent and endemic harmful practices in Manyara, Ruvuma, Dodoma and Arusha regions’ and was implemented between 2020 and 2024. Rooted in both theological texts and a rights-based approach, it targeted congregations across the country, enlisting the support of church and community leaders to reflect on alternative, non-harmful rites of passage for girls entering adulthood.
A primary focus of the project was to support girls who are seeking to escape from the practice of FGM, also known as ‘cutting’, providing them with safety, shelter and opportunities to continue their education or skills training. Family mediation and conflict resolution were also important components, offering safe spaces for mothers, fathers and daughters to discuss sensitive issues in a non-judgemental environment.
Fathers and mothers attend family counselling for positive parenting as part of the ELCT project. Photo: ELCT
Mothers of girls affected by FGM attend counselling for positive parenting. Photo: ELCT
Sensitizing government, communities, families
Statistics show that the prevalence of FGM among women aged between 15 and 49 in Tanzania is around 10 percent, with some of the north-western regions reaching over 40 or even over 50 percent. For many, the practice marks a vital change in status, signifying that a girl is ready for courtship and marriage. Girls who refuse the practice are often considered to be ‘unclean’ and parents worry about losing a good dowry, as well as societal stigma.
A 1998 law passed by the Tanzanian government made the practice illegal, yet some politicians still show support for the tradition if they believe it can win them votes. Increasingly, the ceremonies take place in secret, particularly among remote Maasai communities, requiring sustained sensitization campaigns at local government, community and family level.
A key part of the project has been support for former FGM practitioners, who were assisted in moving to alternative livelihood activities and in the establishment of Village Community Banks. One such beneficiary, Simon Lemayan, says his life has radically improved since the establishment of a community bank in his area. “I was among the down-trodden people in this community,” he says, but “after joining the bank, I managed to secure a loan and purchased 24 goats that I raised. I managed to construct a brick house and now have 36 goats in my home. I have been an example to my peers who now want to join the bank.”
All 28 of the ELCT dioceses have been involved in the campaign directly or indirectly over the five-year period. Other important achievements include the involvement of religious leaders as anti-FGM advocates in their communities and the establishment of a Reproductive Health Training program at Tumaini University Makumira, targeting pastors to become future agents of change.
