Project overview
The Knowledge Sharing Workshop is based upon the ‘six elements for the abandonment of FGC’ developed by UNICEF using academic theory and lessons learned from such field experiences as Tostan in Senegal. These six key elements can contribute to transforming the social convention of cutting girls and encourage rapid and mass abandonment of the practice. An underlying theme is application and the workshop concluded with how learning may be adopted and used within the activities of participating organizations.
Deliverables
- To promote the concept of non-judgemental open dialogue in advocacy and community mobilisation targeted at addressing social norms underpinning female genital mutilation/cutting.
- To share knowledge on best practices and create safe spaces for survivors to tell their stories and be at the forefront in speaking against the practice of FGM/C I their communities.
- To develop the capacity of organisations working on FGM/C in communications and knowledge sharing
Project Background
The knowledge sharing workshop implemented by Orchid Project with support from AmplifyChange UK is aimed at partnering with on ground organisations to provide technical support/assistance on key areas to improve their work on ending FGM/C at community level as well as train other organisations on best practices using the UNICEF six elements for the abandonment of FGC. In Nigeria, Orchid Project partnered with the Youth Network Against FGM (YNAFGM) now known as the Youth Network for Community and Sustainable Development (YNCSD) on a knowledge sharing workshop with representatives of 8 organisations in attendance. The training lasted for one week with facilitators drawn from the UK, Nigeria and Kenya.
Intervention methodology and approach
A one week training workshop was conducted which brought together organizations working on end FGM projects across countries of intervention. In Nigeria, a total of 8 organizations were trained with two members each per organization participating in the training.
Achievements recorded
- Creation of safe spaces within organisations for survivors to share their stories.
- Robust engagement with community based organisations, understanding the challenges they face and proffering solutions.
- Development of action plans by participating organizations present.
- Application of new strategies from the KSW on the six elements by organisations trained.
Challenges
- Poor scale up of KSW by participating organisations
- Difficulty understanding and applying new concepts
