DAR ES SALAAM — Tanzania has launched a national caravan campaign to disseminate its Multi-Sectoral Strategy to End Female Genital Mutilation, targeting five regions where the practice remains deeply entrenched. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups in partnership with C-Sema and funded by the European Union, began on July 19 and aims to mobilise communities against a tradition that continues to threaten the Health and rights of girls and women.
The campaign focuses on Dodoma, Manyara, Arusha, Mara and Singida — regions identified with persistently high prevalence rates. According to caravan coordinator Dennis Moses, Arusha and Manyara record the highest reported prevalence at 43 percent. The outreach brings together government officials, traditional and religious leaders, women, men, youth, teachers, health providers, media and development partners to confront the practice collectively.
“FGM is not the responsibility of the government alone, but the responsibility of every member of society,” Moses said. “Including parents, religious leaders, traditional leaders, young people, women, men, teachers, service providers, the media and development partners.”
The caravan is visiting six district councils: Chemba in Dodoma, Monduli, Babati, Serengeti, Tarime and Singida. At each stop, ministry experts present the national strategy and work to strengthen local action plans. The effort reflects a growing recognition that legal frameworks alone cannot eradicate a practice sustained by social pressure, fear of ostracism and the belief that cutting is a prerequisite for community acceptance.
For girls and women, the consequences are severe and lifelong. Medical experts cite chronic pain, hemorrhage, infections, childbirth complications and psychological trauma. The practice also disrupts education and limits future opportunities.
Organisers stress that the campaign represents more than policy dissemination. It seeks to shift social norms by engaging the full spectrum of community stakeholders. Lasting progress, Moses said, depends on sustained collaboration across institutions and generations.
As the caravan moves through the target regions, officials hope the dialogue will persuade more families to abandon the practice and embrace a shared duty to protect the rights, health and dignity of every girl.
