Field Report on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Outreach
Location: Kapere Village, LUKAYA Sub County, Kalungu District Uganda
Organization: Girl Impact Dynamic Africa (GID Africa)
Date: 27th. April. 2025
Introduction
Girl Impact Dynamic Africa (GID Africa) conducted a critical outreach initiative in Kapere Village to address the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This outreach focused on educating girls, women, and community members about the serious health risks associated with FGM, promoting human rights, and building community support to end this practice.
Objectives
Raise awareness about the physical, psychological, and emotional impacts of FGM.
Empower girls and women with knowledge of their rights to live free from harm.
Encourage community dialogue and foster collective action against FGM.
Provide support resources and high-quality care options for survivors.
Activities Conducted
Community Sensitization Sessions: GID Africa team members led interactive educational sessions using real-life testimonies, visual presentations, and open discussions to dismantle cultural myths supporting FGM.
Focused Group Discussions (FGDs): Girls and women participated in safe, supportive discussions, sharing personal experiences and building peer support networks.
Educational Material Distribution: Informative pamphlets, posters, and booklets explaining the dangers of FGM and the rights of girls and women were distributed to attendees.
Advocacy for Alternative Rites of Passage: Leaders were encouraged to promote alternative, non-harmful traditions to celebrate coming of age without physical harm.
Health Complications of FGM
Through our outreach, GID Africa emphasized the many serious health complications that survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) can experience. According to health
education provided during the sessions and resources from gidafrica.org, these complications include:
Mental health conditions — including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Menstrual problems — such as difficult, painful, or blocked menstrual flow. Urination problems — including urinary tract infections and painful urination. Pain during sex — leading to emotional trauma and relationship difficulties. Childbirth complications — including prolonged labor, increased risk of cesarean section, and severe tears during delivery.
Providing High-Quality Care for Survivors
GID Africa is committed to ensuring survivors receive high-quality, compassionate care. During the Kapere outreach, the following steps were promoted:
Access to healthcare services: Survivors were linked to local clinics equipped to manage FGM complications.
Mental health support: Counseling and psychosocial support services were offered to address trauma and rebuild self-esteem.
Community support groups: Safe spaces were established where survivors can share experiences and receive peer support.
Awareness of legal rights: Girls and women were educated about laws protecting them from FGM and their right to seek justice.
More resources and guidance for survivors and caregivers can be found on gidafrica.org.
Key Findings
Many girls and women had limited knowledge of the full range of FGM’s health consequences.
Cultural pressures, particularly from elders, remain strong drivers of FGM practices.
A positive trend of openness was observed among youth, signaling readiness for change if supported.
Impact
Immediate Reach: 85 girls and 47 women directly participated.
Knowledge Increase: 70% rise in understanding the health and legal dangers of FGM post-outreach.
Commitments Secured: 8 community leaders pledged active advocacy against FGM.
Support Requests: 12 survivors sought mental health and medical care referrals.
Challenges
Deep cultural attachment to FGM traditions continues to present resistance.
Some older community members showed reluctance to embrace alternative rites.
Recommendations
Conduct follow-up sessions to reinforce learning and build ongoing support.
Strengthen survivor-centered care by expanding partnerships with local health centers.
Include men and boys more actively in community education to change societal norms.
Promote economic empowerment programs for women to help dismantle dependence on harmful traditions.
Conclusion
The outreach in Kapere Village was a significant stride toward ending FGM and supporting survivors. GID Africa remains committed to protecting the rights, health, and dignity of girls and women through education, advocacy, and survivor-centered care. By working hand in hand with communities, we envision a future free from FGM.
For more information, support resources, and how to get involved, visit gidafrica.org.
Prepared by:
Sharifu Kawalya
gidafrica.org