This campaign has now closed
This project will reduce the harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls in the East Wollega Zone of Ethiopia, where female genital mutilation and forced marriage by child abduction are widespread. Women will be given microfinance support to achieve economic independence.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
In the region where this project will occur around 97% of all Ethiopian women and girls have undergone FGM. FGM causes severe pain and injury, has serious psychological implications as well as future complications during sexual intercourse and childbirth and there is a proven link between FGM and HIV transmission. Marriage by child abduction and domestic violence are common and many women are powerless to challenge violence because they depend economically on their perpetrators.
Solution
Our local partner, Siiqqee, has identified that in order for women to live empowered, self sufficient lives free from violence and harmful practices such as FGM and child abduction, pathways towards economic self sufficiency must be developed. Siiqqee runs campaigns to abolish FGM and child abduction, by facilitating a network of Self Help Groups in various regions of Ethiopia and supports women to start their own businesses through microfinance.