RFLD with AWDF join forces in the North of Benin to ending Harmful Practices with focus on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

From 22 – 23 October 2024, the Network of Women Leaders for Development (RFLD) organized a training session for health workers in Parakou, Benin. This event focused on combating female genital mutilation (FGM) using a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach. The initiative was carried out with funding from the African Women’s Development Fund, an organization renowned for its commitment to women’s rights and sustainable development in Africa.

Female genital mutilation constitutes a severe violation of human rights and has lasting physical and psychological consequences for millions of women worldwide. In Benin, as in many African countries, this practice remains prevalent despite growing efforts to eradicate it. The training organized by RFLD aims to strengthen the capacities of health workers, who play a crucial role in raising awareness and preventing FGM.

FGM encompasses all procedures involving the alteration or surgery of female genital organs for non-medical reasons. These procedures are often justified by cultural beliefs, social traditions, or religious considerations. The consequences of FGM are severe and varied, ranging from immediate complications such as infections and acute pain to long-term health issues like chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and psychological disorders.

Benin is one of the countries where FGM is practiced, although its prevalence varies by region and ethnic group. Combating this practice requires multidisciplinary and multisectoral interventions involving not only health workers but also educators, community leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and governments.

The training organized by RFLD in Parakou had several objectives:

1. Raising Awareness Among Health Workers: Provide participants with updated information on FGM, its consequences, and prevention methods.
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: Encourage an understanding of FGM that integrates medical, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives.
3. Skills Development: Equip health workers with practical skills to assist women affected by FGM and to raise awareness in their communities.
4. Promoting Community Dialogue: Foster discussions on the social and cultural norms surrounding FGM to encourage changes within communities.

The training took place over 2 days, featuring a rich and varied program. Teaching methods included interactive presentations, case studies, role-playing, and group discussions. Trainers, experts in women’s rights and reproductive health, shared case studies and testimonies from FGM survivors.

Participants attended presentations on:

• Types of Female Genital Mutilation: Understanding the different forms of FGM and their consequences on women’s physical and mental health.
• Laws and Policies: An overview of national and international laws that prohibit FGM and protect women’s rights.
• Prevention Strategies: Discussing best practices to raise community awareness and engage traditional leaders in the fight against FGM.

Practical workshops were also organized to:

• Develop Communication Skills: Learn how to approach the subject of FGM with patients and communities in a sensitive and respectful manner.
• Create Local Action Plans: Participants were encouraged to develop action plans tailored to their specific contexts to combat FGM.

The approach adopted by RFLD is essential for several reasons:

1. Complexity of FGM: FGM cannot be addressed solely from a health perspective; it involves cultural, social, and economic dimensions that require an integrated response.
2. Community Engagement: Involving various stakeholders, such as community leaders and NGOs, allows for a broader reach and fosters sustainable change.
3. Capacity Building: By training health workers from different sectors, a network of professionals capable of collaborating to combat FGM is created.
4. Support for Survivors: A multisectoral approach allows for better support for affected women by providing medical, psychological, and social services.

The partnership with the African Women’s Development Fund was pivotal in implementing this training. This organization supports initiatives aimed at improving the condition of women in Africa, providing valuable expertise and resources that enriched the training program.

The support from the African Women’s Development Fund also enhances the initiative’s reach, allowing RFLD to access a broader network of organizations and experts engaged in the fight against FGM. Such partnerships are crucial for mobilizing resources and knowledge in the fight against violence against women.

The training in Parakou is a significant step in the fight against female genital mutilation in Benin. By strengthening the capacities of health workers, RFLD hopes to create a ripple effect that will encourage other stakeholders to get involved in this fight.

Impact Evaluation

To measure the impact of this initiative, several indicators can be monitored:

• Increased Awareness: Assessing knowledge of FGM in targeted communities before and after the training.
• Changes in Practices: Observing whether health workers modify their approach when caring for affected women.
• Community Engagement: Measuring the involvement of community leaders in the fight against FGM.

RFLD plans to organize additional training sessions in other regions of Benin, building on the feedback from this initial initiative. Moreover, efforts will be made to establish a network of trained health workers who can share their experiences and best practices.

The training organized by the Network of Women Leaders for Development in Parakou marks a significant step towards eradicating female genital mutilation in Benin. By adopting a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach, RFLD addresses the root of the problem, enhancing the skills of health workers and raising community awareness.

The ongoing commitment of partners like the African Women’s Development Fund is crucial to supporting these initiatives and ensuring that women’s rights are respected and protected. Together, with the active participation of communities, it is possible to end female genital mutilation and promote a future where all women can live safely, healthily, and with dignity.