GIVE a voice to exploited children with disabilities in Tanzania

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a form of gender-based violence. FGM is illegal in Tanzania, but the Kuria people of the north still consider it an important cultural practice. In the Mara region, where the Tarime district is located, various traditional norms and values  strongly oppress women and girls. These oppressive norms hinder the sexual reproductive and health rights of girls and often bring an unsafe environment for all children.

In addition, discrimination of girls and boys with a disability is structurally entrenched in Tanzanian society. Many of them live invisibly in isolation with their relatives. They are often kept indoors, out of sight. Interaction with peers or adults in whom they could confide, is limited. The stigma surrounding disability prevents families, communities and authorities from taking the rights and needs of these children seriously.

Tanzanian children with a disability are vulnerable to violence, especially children with albinism and those with autism. They lack access to education, child protection and medical, psychosocial, legal and other services, including reporting mechanisms.

Terre des Hommes Netherlands is partners with ATFGM to stop FGM and child marriage in the Kuria community in Tanzania.

The Association for the Termination of Female Genital Mutilation (ATFGM) was established in response to the concerns of several parents of the KurIa community who did not want their daughters to be mutilated. Girls themselves came to ask for protection as well, since they did not want to undergo the forced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). ATFGM helps to educate the community, promotes respect of human dignity and human rights, with the ultimate goal to, together with the government, bring positive change and eradicate FGM.