In Tanzania, thousands of girls face the threat of gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and early child marriage. These harmful practices have been deeply entrenched in many communities despite their legal prohibition. In particular, the Mara region of Tanzania is notorious for its high rates of FGM, where approximately 32% of women have undergone the procedure. Although FGM is officially banned in the country, the persistence of this practice highlights the challenges many girls face in seeking protection and empowerment.

Rhobi Samwelly, a courageous FGM survivor and activist, has dedicated her life to protecting girls at risk of these practices through her organization, Hope for Girls and Women. Hope for Girls and Women operates safe houses to protect girls who have fled from their homes to escape the dangers of FGM and child marriage, particularly during cutting seasons. These safe houses provide the necessary shelter and support for girls at risk, ensuring they are kept safe until their families sign affidavits to guarantee a safer environment for them. In addition to providing safe spaces, the organization focuses on long-term solutions through education and empowerment. Through outreach work, including community road shows and debates, Hope for Girls and Women raises awareness of the harmful impacts of FGM and child marriage. The initiative aims to educate both cutters (individuals who perform FGM) and community leaders about the risks of gender-based violence and promote healthier, more supportive practices.

Hope’s efforts also provide critical education for girls at risk, helping them to complete their schooling or pursue vocational training. This empowerment enables girls to become self-sufficient and independent, giving them the tools to make decisions about their own futures and advocate against FGM and child marriage. Through education and vocational training, these girls gain skills that open doors to new opportunities and equip them to break the cycle of violence and oppression. The long-term impact of this program is profound. By providing education, certification courses, and the tools to be self-sufficient, girls gain the agency to become decision-makers in their communities. They can stand as role models for future generations, leading the charge against harmful practices like FGM and child marriage. These young women, empowered by their education, will not only contribute to their communities’ well-being but also act as agents of change in the fight for gender equality and the protection of girls across Tanzania.

Hope for Girls and Women’s work is more than just life-saving – it is transformative. The program offers a brighter, safer future for girls at risk, empowering them to become leaders in the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence in Tanzania.

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