I-CUT

Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains very common in East African communities and, despite being a form of gender-based violence, it is still an ongoing cultural practice with millions of girls in Africa and around the world being put at risk every year. 

Kenya has faced an uphill battle in trying to bring this form of violence to an end. While the government has implemented policies to prevent FGM, and ultimately eradicate it from the country, these laws have faced mass criticism from supporters of cutting, some even showing outward defiance against the law. 

At least 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation or FGM in 30 countries, reports UNICEF, and 44 million are girls 14 and younger. The practice involves cutting out all or part of a woman’s clitoris, which is said to eliminate almost completely a woman’s sexual pleasure, in hopes of ensuring her virginity and keeping her faithful in marriage.

The i-CUT MOBILE APP;

The app gives girls at risk of Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), access to resources including people working to prevent FGM,connection to rescue agents/centers and help if they already underwent cutting. Girls who are forced to undergo the procedure can also alert local authorities by pressing a panic button on the app.

93% of women and girls we have interviewed think that FGM should end.

i-CUT MOBILE APP;

The app connects affected girls to legal and medical assistance.

Girls who are forced to undergo the procedure can also alert local authorities by pressing a panic button on the app.

Despite being illegal, Kenya still records a high number of FGM cases. According to a 2016 Unicef report, one in five girls have undergone the procedure in the east African nation.

FGM is a big problem affecting girls worldwide, and that it is a problem the i-CUT app is solving.

i-CUT team invited at Google HQ

i-CUT Team at the European Parliament

i-Cut is an app that was created by a group of Kenyan teens to help girls affected by FGM, or Female Genital Mutilation. FGM was made illegal in Kenya in 2011, but despite this, 1 in 5 girls still undergo the procedure, according to Unicef.

Students Ivy Akinyi, Macrine Akinyi, Cynthia Awuor, Stacy Adhiambo, and Purity Christine were given the opportunity to create iCut through Technovation Challenge in 2018 where we emerged as finalists of the award and won a prize of $15000. Every year, Technovation invites teams of girls from all over the world to learn and apply the skills needed to solve real-world problems through technology.

The Kenyan girls in this competition have not experienced FGM firsthand, as their tribe does not practice it, but they have friends who have. One of Achieng’s best friends was forced to drop out of school and into an early marriage at 15 after FGM, which greatly affected Achieng.

Achieng said it was her friend dropping out of school after FGM that inspired the team to create the app.

Other teams in the international event came from Armenia, Kazakhstan, Canada, Cambodia, the U.S. and other countries. The Restorers(i-CUT APP) were the only team who qualified from the African continent.

We have since then been featured across the Globe on International news stations,which include; CNN, BBC AND VOA.

i-CUT has been running for five years now, and has allowed over 15,000 girls to access information on Female Genital Mutilation,Get Legal Assistance, Get Access to rescue centers. Over 10,000 girls have evaded the cut(FGM) thanks to the i-CUT Mobile app,indicating our value to the community,by restoring hope to the hopeless girls.

i-Cut is a mobile app that enables girls at risk of genital mutilation to get help quickly and in different ways. I-Cut allows girls who are in an emergency situation to request help from the police or from a medical aid post in the event of imminently undergoing FGM. They have five different buttons on the app: ‘help’, ‘rescue’, ‘report’, ‘information on Female Genital Mutilation’ and ‘donate and feedback’.

At least 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation or FGM in 30 countries, reports UNICEF.And 44 million are girls 14 and younger. The practice involves cutting out all or part of a woman’s clitoris, which is said to eliminate almost completely a woman’s sexual pleasure, in hopes of ensuring her virginity and keeping her faithful in marriage.

i-CUT is changing the narrative;  affected girls can now use i-CUT suite of technologies to connect with legal and medical assistance, and the girls forced to undergo the treatment can alert authorities using a panic button installed within the app. 

The i-Cut mobile app is addressing a critical issue by providing a lifeline for girls at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM). To ensure its impact aligns with broader societal goals, our impact goals for the next five years are as follows:

Our Goals for the for the next year;

• Increased Adoption: In the next year, the primary goal is to increase the adoption of the i-Cut app among at-risk girls and their communities. The aim is to have a significant number of users across regions affected by FGM.
• Rapid Response: Ensure that the "help" and "rescue" buttons on the app are functional and responsive, reducing emergency response times to girls in immediate danger.
• Awareness and Education: Launch an awareness and education campaign to inform communities about the dangers of FGM and the resources provided by the app, with the aim of reducing FGM incidence.
• Partnerships: Establish partnerships with local law enforcement, medical facilities, and NGOs to ensure a coordinated response to emergency situations and holistic care for affected girls.

How to Achieve These Goals in the Next Year:

• Collaborate with local NGOs, women's groups, and community leaders to raise awareness about the app and its functionalities.
• Conduct training sessions for local law enforcement and medical personnel on how to respond effectively to alerts from the app.
• Implement a feedback mechanism within the app to continuously improve its usability and responsiveness.
• Regularly review and update the information on FGM provided through the app to ensure it is accurate and relevant.
• Utilize social media and other digital channels to reach a broader audience and educate them about FGM and the i-Cut app.

Impact Goals for the Next Five Years:

• Reduction in FGM Incidence: Over the next five years, the main goal is to contribute to a significant reduction in the incidence of FGM in regions where the practice is prevalent.
• Safety Network: Establish a comprehensive safety network that includes medical, legal, and psychological support for girls who have escaped or avoided FGM through the app.
• Global Expansion: Expand the reach of the i-Cut app to more countries and regions affected by FGM, focusing on areas with high prevalence.
• Policy Influence: Advocate for policy changes and legal enforcement against FGM in regions where it remains prevalent.

How to Achieve These Goals in the Next Five Years:

• Work closely with international organizations, such as UNICEF and WHO, to raise awareness and mobilize resources for global expansion.
• Collaborate with local and national governments to advocate for policy changes and stronger enforcement against FGM.
• Continuously improve the app's features and functionalities based on user feedback and technological advancements.
• Establish a global community of supporters and donors to ensure the sustainability and growth of the i-Cut initiative.
• Conduct impact assessments to measure the reduction in FGM prevalence and the app's role in achieving this change.

These impact goals are designed to address the pressing issue of FGM and provide a roadmap for the i-Cut app to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of at-risk girls.

1. Immediate Outputs:

• Mobile App Accessibility: i-Cut is designed to be easily accessible on smartphones, ensuring that girls at risk of FGM can quickly access it.
• Panic Button Functionality: The app includes a panic button that, when activated, sends immediate alerts to relevant authorities, including law enforcement and medical aid posts.
• Educational Resources: The app provides information on FGM, educating users about the risks and consequences of the practice.

2. Immediate Outcomes:

• Rapid Response: By activating the panic button, girls at risk can receive swift assistance from the police or medical professionals, potentially preventing them from undergoing FGM.
• Education and Awareness: Girls and their communities gain knowledge about the dangers of FGM, promoting a change in attitudes and behaviors towards the practice.

3. Longer-term Outcomes:

• Reduction in FGM Incidence: As more girls use i-Cut and communities become more aware of the harm caused by FGM, there is an expected reduction in the prevalence of FGM in regions where the app is adopted.
• Safety Network Establishment: A comprehensive support network is established for girls who have escaped or avoided FGM through the app, including access to medical and psychological care.
• Global Expansion: By expanding the reach of the app to more countries and regions, the impact is magnified, contributing to a worldwide reduction in FGM prevalence.
• Policy Changes and Advocacy: Collaboration with governments and international organizations is expected to lead to policy changes and increased legal enforcement against FGM.

The Linkage:

The theory of change for i-Cut is built on the premise that accessible technology, combined with immediate response mechanisms and education, can break the cycle of FGM. When girls at risk use the app, they receive prompt help and information, which has an immediate impact on their safety. Over time, as more girls and communities become aware of the dangers of FGM and the support offered by the app, there is an expected reduction in FGM prevalence. Moreover, the longer-term outcomes, including the establishment of a safety network and policy advocacy, reinforce the initiative's transformative impact on society.

The evidence supporting this theory of change includes the reduction in FGM prevalence in regions where the app is adopted, the increased knowledge and awareness of FGM's harms, and successful collaborations with governments and organizations to address the issue at a policy level. The ultimate goal is a world where FGM is eradicated, and girls are safe from this harmful practice.

Full Time-5

5 Years.

Diversity of Representation: i-Cut is committed to ensuring that our team and leadership represent a rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences. We value diversity as a core strength, recognizing that it leads to more comprehensive insights into the issue of FGM and helps us approach the problem with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

Cultural Sensitivity: We acknowledge the significance of cultural diversity within the communities affected by FGM. Our approach is deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity, and we work tirelessly to develop resources, information, and support services within the app that are respectful of local customs and traditions. We aim to empower girls to make informed choices while respecting their cultural heritage.

Language Accessibility: i-Cut is designed to be accessible in multiple languages, ensuring that language is not a barrier to accessing vital information and services. By providing content in languages spoken in regions with high FGM prevalence, we aim to break down linguistic barriers.

Community Engagement: We actively collaborate with local community leaders, NGOs, and grassroots organizations. This collaboration allows us to gain an intimate understanding of the specific challenges faced by girls at risk of FGM. Working with these local stakeholders ensures that i-Cut's solutions are culturally relevant and respectful of community norms.

User-Centered Design: Our app is developed with a user-centered approach, always taking into account the unique needs and challenges faced by girls at risk of FGM. We listen to user feedback and continually enhance the app's features and functionality, making it responsive to the diverse requirements of our user base.

Equitable Access: i-Cut is committed to providing equitable access to our app. We understand that poverty is often a risk factor for FGM, so we strive to make the app available on a wide range of smartphone models, including affordable options. Our goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder access to our services.

Education and Training: We provide extensive education and training to our team members and partners on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes cultural competency training and addressing unconscious bias. We believe that fostering a respectful and inclusive work environment is essential for success.

Community Outreach: i-Cut conducts awareness and educational campaigns within the affected communities. These campaigns are aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of FGM while respecting local customs and traditions. We believe that effective community engagement is a key driver of change.

By adopting these principles and practices, i-Cut aims to better serve the diverse needs of girls at risk of FGM and to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all stakeholders involved in addressing this pressing issue. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only a fundamental value but also a cornerstone of our strategy for bringing about meaningful change.

The primary focus of i-Cut is on impact and social benefit rather than revenue generation. The initiative is centered on providing value to the populations it serves, especially girls at risk of FGM. Here is an overview of the i-Cut business model:

Beneficiaries:

Girls at Risk of FGM: The primary beneficiaries are the girls at risk of FGM, providing them with a lifeline to seek help and support in emergency situations. They benefit from the i-Cut app's immediate response and access to information on the dangers of FGM.

Local Communities: i-Cut aims to raise awareness within local communities about the dangers of FGM and the resources available to prevent it. Communities benefit from education and support in efforts to eradicate FGM.

Products/Services Provided:

i-Cut Mobile App: The core product is the i-Cut mobile app, which offers girls at risk of FGM a set of features including a panic button for immediate assistance, access to information about FGM, and a network of support.

Educational Resources: i-Cut provides educational materials and information on FGM to raise awareness among users and their communities.

How Products/Services Are Provided:

The i-Cut mobile app is available for download on smartphones, providing users with easy access to its features.

Educational resources are provided within the app, and awareness campaigns are conducted in collaboration with local partners, NGOs, and community leaders.

Why Beneficiaries Want or Need Them:

Girls at Risk of FGM: They need the i-Cut app to access immediate help and support in emergency situations, empowering them to protect themselves from FGM. The information provided in the app also educates them about the risks associated with FGM.

Local Communities: They want and need educational resources to understand the consequences of FGM and the support available for girls at risk. This knowledge helps create a shift in community attitudes toward FGM.

Revenue Model:

i-Cut primarily operates as a social impact initiative and is not profit-oriented. The focus is on providing free and accessible resources to the target population. Funding for i-Cut is primarily secured through grants, donations, and partnerships with organizations, governments, and foundations committed to the cause of eradicating FGM.

1. Grants and Donations:

i-Cut will continue to seek grants and donations from various sources, including governmental agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations that are committed to the cause of eradicating FGM. These funds will be used to cover ongoing operational expenses, technology maintenance, and outreach efforts.

2. Partnerships:

i-Cut will actively seek partnerships with international and local organizations, governmental agencies, and NGOs working to combat FGM. These partnerships can provide not only financial support but also access to resources, expertise, and additional avenues for raising awareness.

3. Crowdsourcing and Fundraising Campaigns:

The initiative can engage in crowdsourcing and fundraising campaigns to tap into public support. Such campaigns can be used to cover specific program expenses, such as community outreach and educational initiatives, and can help raise awareness about the issue.

4. Philanthropic Support:

Encourage individual philanthropists who are passionate about the cause of eliminating FGM to support i-Cut's work. Philanthropic donations can significantly contribute to the initiative's financial sustainability.

5. Earned Income (Long-term Consideration):

While the primary focus is on social impact, i-Cut may explore opportunities for generating earned income in the long term. This could involve offering related services or products, such as educational materials or training programs, if these align with the mission and do not compromise the initiative's core values.

6. Impact Measurement and Reporting:

i-Cut will maintain a strong focus on impact measurement and reporting to demonstrate the effectiveness of its work. A proven track record of positive impact can attract more donors and grant opportunities, contributing to long-term financial sustainability.

7. Cost Management and Efficiency:

i-Cut will continually assess and optimize its expenses to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. By maintaining lean operations, the initiative can make the most of available funding.