Embassy-funded Project Reduces FGM in Eastern Showa Zone

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The Democracy and Human Rights Fund (DHRF) is one of two funding mechanisms administered by Chargé d’Affaires Vicki Huddleston’s Small Projects Office to support Ethiopians’ efforts to improve their lives. The DHRF makes grants to local organizations for short-term, high-impact activities that promote political pluralism and human and civil rights. Women’s empowerment, human rights education and conflict resolution are among the activities assisted by the fund.

The DHRF recently supported a project to reduce Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) in the Dugda Bora District of East Showa Zone in Oromia.  HTPs in this area include female genital mutilation (FGM), abduction and early marriage.  A series of workshops were conducted in order to engage religious leaders, elders, and other influential community members in reducing HTPs.  In addition, village awareness campaigns and school awareness campaigns were conducted to educate and mobilize traditional village associations, students, parents, and teachers.   T-shirts and caps with anti-HTP messages were distributed throughout the community. As a result, the number of parents who promised not to circumcise their daughters has increased, more girls are finding the courage to resist circumcision, and more boys are committed to marrying uncircumcised girls.

Another aspect of this project included finding new livelihoods for the women who used to perform FGM for a living.  Oxen and cows were donated to them so they could begin a new livelihood and avoid falling into poverty as more community members opt to stop practicing FGM.  In all, fourteen women in the district agreed to abandon the practice.

If you would like to apply for a DHRF grant or learn about other available funding, please write the Small Projects Office at: U.S. Embassy, P.O. Box 1014, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, or call: 251-011-517-4779/4850.