Gibarori Primary School

• Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a strong tradition in this community. It is illegal. But still the majority of the women are circumcised and each and every young woman is subjected to the cut. • The church has preached against FGM for decades but in spite of the deep devoutness the priests do not have enough power over the souls. • FGM has nothing to do with religion; it is a so-called culture and tradition in certain groups. The practice is deeply rooted in views on chastity, transition to womanhood, “purity” for marriage and basically a wish to control women sexually. • In certain areas, the survival and fertility of the local community is assumed to be threatened if the girls are not circumcised. Many brave young girls who refuse FGM are regarded as “unmarriageable” and become outcasts. • It is a brutal act, painful and has led to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Volunteers will work closely with community-based organizations in the area that are actively involved on the thematic focus of this project.