Voices of Change: Against-FGM

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted practice that poses severe physical, psychological, and societal dangers to women and girls. Despite global efforts to eradicate FGM, the practice persists in numerous communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The problem we are addressing is the prevalence and persistence of FGM in Nigeria, which is both a violation of human rights and a serious threat to the well-being of Nigerian women and girls.

The scale of the problem is immense and affects millions of women and girls globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, with over 3 million girls at risk of being subjected to the practice annually. FGM is prevalent in multiple countries, with high rates in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. 

 The persistence of FGM in Nigeria is driven by various factors, including limited access to education and information, and a lack of awareness about the harmful physical and psychological consequences of the practice, gender inequality, and cultural and societal norms. In Nigeria, FGM remains widespread with an estimated 9.9 million survivors making Nigeria the third highest of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide. The rate of FGM rose from 16.9% in 2013 to 19.2% in 2018 among Nigerian girls from ages 0-14 (UNICEF 2022) despite the law (Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act) prohibiting FGM in the country. FGM mostly occurs at a young age, with girls as young as infants subjected to the practice, leading to immediate health risks and long-term physical and emotional consequences including hemorrhage, shock, infection, HIV transmission, urine retention and severe pain, and are more likely to suffer infertility or complications during childbirth, including postpartum haemorrhage, stillbirth, and early neonatal death when grown.

The "Voices of Change: Against-FGM" initiative aims to address this problem by raising awareness, empowering young women and girls to become agents of change, and providing psychological support to survivors. It recognizes that addressing FGM requires a multi-faceted approach that combines education, community engagement, and support for those affected by this harmful practice. Through radio dramas in local dialects, this project seeks to create a platform for open dialogue, mobilize communities, amplify voices against FGM to bring about positive change and provide psychological and counseling intervention for victims.

Our solution, "Voices of Change: Against-FGM," is a culturally sensitive and engaging project that employs radio dramas in local dialects to raise awareness about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), empower young women and girls as agents of change, and provide psychological support to survivors. It is a community-driven approach that leverages the power of storytelling to catalyze social transformation. The intervention is specifically tailored to local/rural communities where FGM is prevalent.

What It Does:

• Raises Awareness: The radio dramas educate community members, especially young women and girls, about the physical, emotional, and societal dangers associated with FGM.
• Empowers Change: The dramas serve as a platform to empower young women and girls, making them key characters and inspiring them to lead change within their communities.
• Provides Support: The project offers psychological support resources for survivors of FGM, helping them cope with trauma and fostering resilience.
• Establishing FGM clubs in schools: The project serves as an avenue to provide FGM drama clubs in primary/secondary schools. 

How It Works:

Radio dramas are developed in collaboration with community members and local artists who understand the cultural nuances. These dramas are broadcast in local dialects, making them accessible and relatable to the community. Interactive dialogue sessions are organized within the community after each episode, encouraging discussions and community mobilization. More so, there will be experts and mobile clinics (psychotherapists) who will be available quarterly to provide training for local health workers and psychological support.

Technology Used:

The primary technology to be used is radio broadcasting, which is a widely accessible and effective means of reaching remote and underserved communities. Additionally, the project may leverage digital platforms for broader outreach, such as online streaming or podcast distribution, depending on the community's technological access.

Our solution, "Voices of Change: Against-FGM," serves several key populations, each with unique needs, in ways that aim to significantly impact their lives:

1.  Young Women and Girls at Risk of FGM:

Adolescent girls and young women in communities where FGM is prevalent, primarily in South-Eastern and South-Western parts of Nigeria, specifically Imo State, Ebonyi state, Osun State and Oyo State.

Current Status: Often underserved in terms of access to accurate information about FGM and their rights. They may face significant cultural and societal pressure to undergo the practice.

Solution Impact: The radio dramas and FGM drama clubs in schools will provide them with the knowledge and courage to resist FGM, empowering them to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. This contributes to their physical and emotional well-being.

2. Survivors of FGM:

Target Population: Women and girls who have already undergone FGM.

Current Status: These survivors often grapple with physical complications, trauma, and a sense of disempowerment.

Solution Impact: The project offers psychological support and resources for survivors, enabling them to heal, build resilience, and reintegrate into their communities with a sense of agency and hope.

3. Communities Affected by FGM:

Target Population: Entire communities, including community leaders and elders.

Current Status: Communities may be unaware of the full extent of the consequences of FGM, or they may uphold traditional norms that perpetuate the practice.

Solution Impact: The radio dramas create awareness, stimulate dialogue, and mobilize communities to collectively take a stance against FGM. This empowers community members to challenge cultural norms and practices that harm women and girls.

4. Local Artists and Storytellers:

Target Population: Local artists, actors, and storytellers who participate in the creation of the radio dramas.

Current Status: These individuals may face limited opportunities in their communities and are uniquely positioned to drive change.

Solution Impact: Participation in the project not only provides livelihood opportunities but also allows these artists to contribute to a meaningful cause and be recognized as advocates for change.

The solution impacts the target populations in several ways, including increased knowledge, empowerment, resilience, and community mobilization. It contributes to the reduction of FGM rates, improved well-being, and the realization of human rights among the served populations.

As the team lead primarily from the Southeast part of Nigeria and has witnessed FGM even as a victim. It is easier for the project implementation since I understand the cultural background and challenges, lived through the experience and speak the language as well. Amongst the team, are members who are representatives of the selected states, who understand the cultural nuances and challenges faced by these states/communities can be invaluable. The solution is designed in a community-centric approach which is essential for the success and impact of the initiative. As team lead and representatives of these communities, the following will be established. 

• Engagement with community members and leaders to understand their needs, concerns, and priorities. This involves surveys, interviews, direct conversations with stakeholders, and as well, focus group discussions.
• Through the community engagement approach in acquiring data, the design of the solution is co-created with the input and ideas of the communities - involving community members in decision-making, content development, and program planning.
• The team leverages partnerships with women leaders and community leaders, and local CSOs to provide valuable insights and help navigate cultural sensitivities and as well invest in cultural competency training to ensure that the solution is culturally sensitive and respectful of local norms and practices. 
• Establishment of feedback mechanisms to continuously gather input and assess the impact of the radio dramas on the community. This ensures ongoing community involvement and adjustment of the solution as needed. We are very flexible in adapting solutions based on evolving needs and feedback from the communities (state).

 I'm excited to share the progress of our initiative in raising awareness about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Here's what we've accomplished in various regions:

In Owerri West LGA, we've engaged with both primary and secondary schools to educate young girls on the serious risks associated with FGM. We've reached approximately 105 students, empowering them with the knowledge of the potential short-term and long-term harms.

In Ebonyi State, our advocacy campaign against FGM has led to multiple media engagements. Through these efforts, we've successfully enlightened around 100 individuals about the perils of FGM.

Additionally, we are expanding our outreach to Osun and Oyo states by partnering with Gender Mobile, an organization focused on Ekiti in mitigating FGM. This collaboration has enabled us to impact around 80 lives in the state, Osun and Oyo states including Ekiti are states in the South-West region with high tendencies of FGM practice.

As we advance the "Voices of Change; Against-FGM" project, we're enthusiastic about utilizing radio drama series as an innovative approach to sustain our efforts and substantially reduce the prevalence of FGM in our region. Including Osun and Oyo states in our project is a strategic move to address this pressing issue in southern Nigeria.

We are committed to making the content of the radio drama series formal and culturally sensitive to ensure that it resonates with our audience. Our goal is to create an engaging and impactful program that drives positive change and empowers individuals to make informed choices regarding FGM.

Your support and collaboration are instrumental in our mission to combat FGM and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in our communities. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by this harmful practice.

Our solution, "Voices of Change: Against FGM," is innovative in several ways:

• Utilizing Radio Dramas for Awareness and Empowerment: While awareness campaigns against FGM are not new, our approach leverages the power of radio dramas. This medium has a wide reach, especially in remote areas with limited access to technology. By delivering culturally sensitive and engaging content through local dialects, we capture the attention of communities that may have been hard to reach through traditional methods. Radio dramas create an emotional connection with the audience, making it a compelling tool for education and empowerment.
• Community Engagement and Empowerment: Our solution empowers young women and girls to take on active roles in the project. By featuring them as key characters in the radio dramas and involving them in the development of content, we promote their leadership and agency in driving change within their communities. This approach sets our solution apart as a youth-led and community-driven initiative.
• Psychological Support for Survivors: In addition to raising awareness and preventing FGM, our project focuses on the psychological support and resilience of survivors. This holistic approach recognizes the emotional trauma that survivors often experience and provides a space for healing, reducing stigma, and fostering reintegration into communities.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: We engage in partnerships with organizations and stakeholders in the gender equality and women's rights space, such as Gender Mobile. These collaborations strengthen the impact of our project and enable a broader reach, facilitating cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Catalyzing Broader Positive Impacts: By demonstrating the effectiveness of radio dramas, FGM drama clubs in schools, and community-led initiatives in addressing FGM, our solution would inspire and catalyze similar efforts in other regions and communities. It has the potential to serve as a model for leveraging storytelling, community engagement, and technology in raising awareness about sensitive and culturally ingrained issues. 

In terms of technology, our primary tool is radio broadcasting. While radio is not a new technology, the innovative aspect lies in its application to address FGM in a comprehensive and culturally relevant manner. The project team may also leverage digital platforms for broader outreach and engagement, aligning with the trend of using technology to enhance the impact of development initiatives.

Impact Goals for the Next Year:

1. Raise Awareness: In the next year, our primary goal is to reach and educate at least 10,000 individuals across different regions, particularly in Osun, Oyo, Imo, and Ebonyi states. We will measure our success by tracking the number of individuals who have gained knowledge about the dangers of FGM and the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights through review surveys, feedback, and the number of individuals on the radio network daily.
2. Empower Young Women: We aim to actively involve and empower a minimum of 400 adolescent girls and young women as advocates against FGM within their communities. We will measure this goal by the number of young women engaged in project activities, leadership roles, and participation in community dialogues.
3. Provide Psychological Support: Our target is to establish a support network and resources for at least 100 survivors of FGM. We will measure our success based on the number of survivors accessing and benefiting from the support services.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:

1. Drastically Reduce FGM Prevalence: Over the next five years, our overarching goal is to contribute to a significant reduction in the prevalence of FGM in our target regions, especially Osun, Oyo, Imo, and Ebonyi states. We aim to achieve a 50% reduction in FGM rates based on data and community feedback.
2. Mobilize Cross-Sector Collaboration: We intend to establish partnerships with at least five organizations and stakeholders in the gender equality, women's rights, and public health sectors. These collaborations will enable a collective approach to addressing FGM and enhancing sexual and reproductive health and rights.
3. Expand to New Regions: We plan to expand the project's reach to new regions in Nigeria and beyond, ensuring that the initiative's impact extends to additional areas with high tendencies of FGM practice.

How We Will Achieve These Goals:

1. Continued Radio Dramas: We will sustain the radio drama series and expand our reach to reach a broader audience over time.
2. Youth Leadership Programs: Empowering young women through leadership programs and mentorship to become advocates against FGM.
3. Community Mobilization: Engaging with community leaders, women leaders and CBOs, and other members to change social norms and beliefs regarding FGM. Data Collection and Monitoring: We will track our progress through surveys, feedback, and community indicators to ensure our impact goals are met.

Theory of Change:

Our solution, "Voices of Change: Against FGM," is designed to create a cascading impact on the problem of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It operates based on a logical framework that links our activities to immediate outputs and longer-term outcomes. Here's how and why we expect our solution to have an impact.

Activities:

1. Radio Dramas: We produce and broadcast radio dramas in local dialects to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM. These dramas feature compelling stories that resonate with the community.
2. Community Engagement: After each episode, we organize interactive dialogue sessions within the community to foster discussion and understanding.
3. Empowerment of Young Women: We actively involve adolescent girls and young women in the project, making them central characters in the dramas and empowering them as advocates against FGM.
4. Psychological Support: We establish a support network for survivors of FGM, offering psychological support and resources for healing.

Immediate Outputs:

• Increased awareness about the physical, emotional, and societal dangers of FGM.
• Community mobilization and open dialogue about the issue.
• Empowered young women taking on leadership roles and advocating against FGM.
• Psychological support services for survivors.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Reduced Prevalence of FGM: By raising awareness and promoting dialogue, we expect to change community attitudes and contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of FGM.
• Resilient Communities: Through empowerment and dialogue, communities become more resilient in resisting traditional practices that harm women and girls.
• Empowered Young Women: The involvement of young women as advocates leads to a generational shift, where they actively influence cultural norms and practices.
• Improved Sexual and Reproductive Health: With increased awareness and reduced FGM rates, we anticipate improved sexual and reproductive health outcomes for young women and girls.

Evidence and Impact:

We base this theory of change on research, data, and feedback gathered through community engagement, surveys, and monitoring. By fostering awareness, dialogue, empowerment, and support, we believe that "Voices of Change: Against FGM" can create a ripple effect, leading to lasting change and improved well-being for the target population.

Our solution is made up of different staff. The number of Full staff involved in the solution is 10 made up of up the Team Lead (Project Manager), 4 State Project Representatives (for the 4 states), 2 Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (for the 2 regions), an Account Officer, and 2 Administrative Officers (for each region).

Also, the solution has a total of 8 volunteers as well. 2 in each state.

In total, the solution comprises of 18 full and part-time staff.

As Speak Out Africa Initiative, a not-for-profit organization, we started this solution in July 2022 (Over a year). We have reached over a thousand persons with the intervention. We are looking forward to reaching four more key states with high prevalence. 

In line with MIT Solve's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all community members are welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We understand the importance of diversity and equity in achieving our mission to combat FGM and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. Incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work is a fundamental principle of "Voices of Change: Against-FGM." Our approach to ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in our project includes the following aspects:

Diverse Team: Our leadership team comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women and men, and members of different age groups as part of our team members. This diversity ensures that our project benefits from a range of perspectives and experiences.

Empowering Local Communities: We prioritize the inclusion of local community members, especially women and girls, in all project activities. Their insights and voices are central to our decision-making processes.

Gender Equity: Our project actively promotes gender equity by empowering women and girls to take on leadership roles and advocate against FGM. We prioritize women's participation in all aspects of our work.

Cultural Sensitivity: We are deeply committed to cultural sensitivity, understanding that FGM is deeply rooted in tradition. Our content is developed in collaboration with community members and artists who understand the cultural nuances, ensuring that it respects local customs.

Inclusivity and Participation: We actively engage with community leaders, local organizations, and stakeholders to foster inclusivity and participation in the project. This approach ensures that diverse perspectives are considered.

Monitoring and Feedback: We have established mechanisms for collecting feedback from the communities we serve. We use this feedback to continuously improve our approach and ensure that it remains equitable and inclusive.

Future Goals: Our team is committed to fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We have set specific goals for increasing the representation of marginalized groups within our leadership team and decision-making processes. 

Our business model is centered on creating social value, and our success is measured by the positive change we bring to the lives of our beneficiaries. We are dedicated to achieving our mission and contributing to the well-being of women and girls affected by FGM. As a not-for-profit organization, our primary focus is on creating social impact rather than generating revenue. Our business model is built on the following principles:

• Mission-Driven Approach: Our core mission through this solution is to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly among women and girls in regions with a high prevalence of FGM. Our primary goal is to create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our beneficiaries.
• Service Provision: We provide a range of services including addressing FGM and related issues. These services include producing and broadcasting radio dramas to raise awareness, conducting community engagement and dialogue sessions, empowering young women as advocates, and offering psychological support to survivors of FGM.
• Community Benefit: The primary beneficiaries of our work are the communities and individuals (women and girls) directly affected by FGM, while indirect beneficiaries include community volunteers, local activists/actors, and newer generations. The ultimate goal is to improve the well-being and rights of these individuals.

Funding Sources:

As a not-for-profit organization, our funding primarily comes from grants, donations, and partnerships with like-minded organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic foundations. These funds are used to support our activities and achieve our mission.

Sustainability and Impact Measurement:

While we do not generate revenue, we place a strong emphasis on sustainability. We aim to secure funding to sustain our activities and measure our impact through a range of metrics, including the reduction in FGM prevalence, increased awareness, and the empowerment of women and girls.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

We collaborate with a network of organizations and stakeholders in the gender equality, women's rights, and public health sectors. These partnerships help us maximize our impact and reach.

As a not-for-profit organization, our primary goal is to achieve financial sustainability while ensuring that our mission-driven activities are funded adequately. By diversifying our sources, engaging in strategic partnerships, and exploring opportunities for social enterprise initiatives, we aim to achieve financial sustainability in the long term. This approach ensures that our mission to combat FGM and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights remains viable and impactful. Our financial sustainability plan involves a combination of strategies to cover our expected expenses:

• Grants and Donations: We will continue to actively seek grants and donations from governmental and non-governmental organizations, philanthropic foundations, and individuals who share our mission. These funds will provide the core financial support for our activities, including awareness campaigns, radio dramas, community engagement, and support services.
• Strategic Partnerships: We will explore partnerships with organizations and institutions that can provide financial support and resources. Collaborations with like-minded entities in the fields of gender equality, women's rights, and public health can help secure funding and resources for our initiatives.
• Fee-for-Service Contracts: While our primary focus is on providing services and support, there may be opportunities to enter fee-for-service contracts with governments seeking our expertise in addressing FGM and related issues. These contracts can contribute to our financial sustainability.
• Diversification of Donors: We will work to diversify our donor base to reduce reliance on a single funding source. This reduces financial vulnerability and enhances our long-term sustainability.
• Financial Management: We will implement sound financial management practices to ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively. Transparent financial reporting and accountability are essential to maintaining trust with donors and supporters.
• Impact Measurement and Reporting: Demonstrating the impact of our work through robust monitoring and evaluation processes is crucial to attracting and retaining donors and partners.