• Sustainable Development Goal :5 - Gender Equality
• Gender Equality Marker :Gender Transformative (GEM 3)
• Testing Country :Senegal
• Testing Period :10 months
• Amount :$164,497

In the Casamance region of Senegal, the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), particularly excision, remains a critically important issue. Excision, which involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, raises significant concerns regarding human rights, public health, and social justice for girls and women in certain communities. 

In collaboration with local communities, Alitus Femina is testing an innovative, alternative approach to FGM and excision.

As one community member expressed:

"A good and inclusive approach is better than perfect justice because we must arrest the parents and the excisers if we respect the law.

However, these arrests do not stop the practice of excision from continuing and often have a detrimental impact on communities and families. Instead, by increasing awareness, promoting inclusivity, and providing alternatives, parents and excisers can be persuaded to permanently abandon the practice."