Dear Supporters,
Greetings from the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) at our headquarters in the Republic of Benin!
On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we at the Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) want to convey a powerful and clear message:
“Female genital mutilation is neither a tradition nor a custom, but a violation of human rights. Every girl and woman deserves to live in safety, to have their physical integrity respected, and to enjoy their right to health. We call for unity and collective action to put an end to this harmful practice.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) for their unwavering support in our efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and promote the rights of women and girls.
Stay Informed and Engaged
We invite you to take advantage of our resources:
- Visit Our Data Center: Access valuable data on the state of FGM across 18 countries in West and Central Africa. Our Data Center offers a wealth of information to support your advocacy and awareness efforts.
Click here: https://rflgd.org/rfld-countries-data-center/
- Listen to RFLD Podcasts: Tune in to our podcasts to hear insights, stories, and discussions surrounding FGM and women’s rights. Each episode aims to educate and empower our listeners.
Click here : https://rflgd.org/2022/04/23/podcast-rfld-mgf/
- Download the RFLD Report on FGM: Our comprehensive report provides an in-depth look at the state of FGM in West and Central Africa. It’s essential reading for anyone looking to understand and combat this issue.
Download here : https://rflgd.org/2022/06/16/lancement-du-manuel-du-rfld-sur-les-mutilations-genitales-feminines-recueil-des-survivantes/
- Explore RFLD Case Studies: Delve into our case studies to learn about successful initiatives and strategies employed in the fight against FGM. These resources can guide your own efforts in your communities.
Click here : https://rflgd.org/pratiques-nefastes/
Lessons Learned in Our Engagement to End FGM
- Education is Paramount: Raising awareness about the physical and psychological consequences of FGM is crucial in challenging cultural norms and shifting attitudes.
- Involve Survivors: Including survivors in advocacy efforts provides authentic perspectives that enhance the impact of our campaigns and foster a supportive community.
- Collaboration is Vital: Working with local authorities, community leaders, healthcare professionals, and legal experts creates a coordinated approach to effectively address FGM.
- Enforce Laws: Prioritizing the enforcement of laws against FGM is essential to protect victims and deter potential offenders.
- Foster Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural contexts is key to respectful dialogue and the development of acceptable solutions within communities.
Take Action
Now is the time to act, to speak out, and to support survivors. Together, we can create a future free from the harmful practice of FGM.
Thank you for your continued support in this vital cause.
Warm regards,
The RFLD Team
Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement
Email: communications.info@rflgd.org
Website: www.rflgd.org
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