Collaborative Approach to Ending FGM by THE RAIN WORKERS and Zinduka e.V.
This collaborative approach is based on the international consensus that FGM and FGM/C must not be viewed in isolation, but rather in the context of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).
Our approach consists of a two-part strategic plan, starting with a pilot phase in Kenya, which is scalable worldwide.
In Kenya, three partners – Zinduka Foundation, Centre for Indigenous Child Rights CICR, and Enkakenya Sidai Initiative – will carry out protective, empowerment, educational, and awareness-raising measures in three different regions: Kuria, West-Pokot, and Kajiado. These efforts are designed to create a multiplying effect, including:
- Girls Empowerment Camps
- Community Sensitizations
- Institutional Interventions
- Radio Talks
- Accompanying Social Media and On-the-Ground Campaigns to raise national and international awareness
Target groups include:
- Girls and mothers who will be protected and empowered
- Fathers and brothers of the girls, as decision-makers playing a special role
- Traditional and community leaders and elders
- Through community focus, all population groups can be involved, especially young men and religious and cultural decision-makers
To demonstrate the impact of these measures, professional baseline studies and post-intervention evaluations will be carried out in all three pilot regions. These will help achieve the medium-sized funding pools necessary for co-financing the scaling of the initiative.
This approach is designed to generate sustainable and wide-reaching impact in the fight against FGM/C, while strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange.
They may also serve as a helpful resource when applying for funding or engaging with partners and stakeholders.
Background
The demands of the Nairobi Summit of the High-Level Commission, held on September 22, 2023, as a result of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD25) by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in Nairobi, form the core of the collaborative work of THE RAIN WORKERS and Zinduka. These demands include:
- Zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices, including zero child, early, and forced marriage, as well as no female genital mutilation (FGM).
- Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls to ensure the full socioeconomic potential of all individuals is realized.
- No unmet need for family planning information and access to modern contraceptive methods.
- Access for all adolescents and young adults, especially girls, to comprehensive and age-appropriate information and education, enabling them to make free and informed decisions about their sexuality and reproductive lives.
These objectives guide the approach and interventions aimed at creating a more just and equitable future for women and girls, addressing not only FGM but also broader gender-based violence and reproductive rights.
Basis of Implementation of #TogetherWeEndFGM
FGM/C must be regarded as a global human rights issue , simultaneously including awareness and protection against early marriage and other forms of violence , while addressing equal educational, participation, and economic opportunities for girls and women.
The concept is based on the recommendations of the following three documents:
- African Union: The International Conference on Female Genital Mutilation, October 9-11, 2023
- UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, Population Council Kenya: Effectiveness of Interventions Designed to Prevent or Respond to Female Genital Mutilation, June 2021
- UNFPA, UNICEF: Policy Brief. Enabling Environments for Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation. Towards a Comprehensive and Multisectoral Approach, 2020 [1]
All three documents emphasize that successful interventions must be grounded in health education at the community level as well as on an individual level. The key target groups for interventions should include adolescents, parents, religious leaders, mothers, and women’s groups. Media support can help change social norms.
At the community level, a holistic approach combining education and empowerment is the most promising intervention strategy to promote the abolition of FGM/C. This approach emphasizes the need for meaningful community involvement in designing FGM/C interventions. It also takes into account a broader approach, addressing the more comprehensive challenges affecting the community, primarily focusing on gender equality and social norms. [2]
At the individual level, studies show the effectiveness of educational measures for girls and women, as well as alternative rites of passage to end FGM/C. Girls and women are empowered to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive rights, including resisting FGM/C. Programs are more beneficial when they ensure that girls stay in school and are empowered to act as agents of change. [3]
In summary, holistic approaches to health education, supported by media and social marketing campaigns, as well as communication initiatives to end FGM/C, have shown positive effects . [4]
[1] Recommendation 3: (…) implement a (…) multisectoral approach that support (…) at community, local and national levels, while ensuring access to FGM-related services by at-risk populations and survivors.”
Recommendation 7: “Actively engage and empower youth, adolescents and women´s groups (…)”. Page 13.
[2] UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO, Population Council Kenya: Effectiveness of Interventions designed to prevent or respond to female genital mutilation, June 2021, page 68.
u.a. Aufklärung von Journalist*innen: https://www.equalitynow.org/news_and_insights/why-the-media-matters-in-the-global-movement-to-end-fgm/
[3] Ibid.: page 69.
[4] Ibid.: page 68
Problem Analysis
FGM/C has been illegal in Kenya since 2011, yet it is still widely practiced in certain communities. The following are the main underlying causes:
- FGM/C as a deeply rooted tradition: FGM/C is a tradition that has been passed down through generations for thousands of years and is still widely endorsed in many communities.
- Social pressure: Girls undergo FGM/C due to various forms of societal pressure, such as verbal and physical attacks, exclusion from the community, and stigmatization if they do not conform to the practice.
- Lack of education: There is a significant gap in sexual and reproductive health education in schools and religious institutions, leading to ignorance about the risks and consequences of FGM.
- Weak enforcement of anti-FGM laws: Despite the existence of anti-FGM laws, their implementation is weak, and perpetrators are rarely held accountable.
- Patriarchal culture and gender inequality: Strong patriarchal norms in practicing communities reinforce the idea that girls and women are to be controlled, leading to a lack of gender equality and perpetuating harmful practices like FGM.
These factors combine to create an environment where FGM/C continues to be practiced, despite legal prohibitions and growing awareness of its harm. Addressing these root causes is crucial for ending FGM/C in Kenya and beyond.
Concrete Goals and Indicators
Building on the before mentioned background and core documents, we pursue the following primary objectives in the project regions:
- Reduction of FGM/C
- Reduction of Child Marriage
- Reduction of Teenage Pregnancies
- Reduction of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
- Increase in Gender Equality and Empowerment
In parallel, the following indirect goals are also addressed:
- Increase in the Graduation Rate of Girls from Secondary Schools
- Reduction in the School Dropout Rate for Girls
- Reduction of Menstrual Poverty
- Fewer Unplanned Pregnancies and Better Access to Healthcare for Women and Families
- Increased Use of Modern Contraceptive Methodes
- Increase in the Number of Educated and Economically Stable Women and Men in the Action Regions
These goals aim to create a multifaceted impact that goes beyond ending FGM/C, fostering long-term social, economic, and health improvements for women and communities.
Modular Structure of the Project
The project is designed with a modular structure, allowing flexibility and adaptability to different contexts while ensuring that core objectives are met. Each module represents a key area of intervention that can be implemented individually or in combination with others, depending on the specific needs of the region and community.
The project is divided into the following modules:
Module 1 - Administration
For the successful implementation of the project, each partner organisation (NGO or CBO) must establish a basic administrative structure. This includes a project lead responsible for overall coordination and decision-making, as well as a finance officer to ensure transparent and accurate accounting. Ideally, a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) officer should also be appointed to track progress, assess impact, and support learning processes.
In addition, each organisation should recruit or assign 15 trained staff members or volunteers (RAIN WORKERS+) who will carry out the interventions in the field. Together, this team forms the foundation for a well-managed and accountable project structure.
Module 2 – RAIN WORKER+ Training
Before participating organisations can begin project activities, each must complete a standardised training cycle. This training is the foundation for the effective and sustainable implementation of all planned interventions.
In the first year of the project, 15 facilitators – referred to as RAIN WORKERS+ (inspired by the idea of „letting knowledge rain“) – will undergo an intensive, multi-phase training programme. This structured process ensures that all facilitators are thoroughly equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to carry out impactful community-based work.
The training consists of four key phases:
- Beginner Training (8 days)
A comprehensive introduction to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). - Probation Period (1 to 3 months)
During this period, trainees deepen their understanding of the content through self-study and peer reflection. The trainees meet six times with a supervisor – nominated during the Beginner Training – to review, repeat, and internalize the learned topic. - Advanced Training (7 days)
A continuation and intensification of the first training phase, with a strong focus on practical application, role-plays, and real-life scenarios. - Final Exam and Certification
At the end of the cycle, participants must pass an exam to become officially certified RAIN WORKERS+.
The training is conducted by certified and experienced trainers using a comprehensive set of materials developed by THE RAIN WORKERS and Zinduka. These include:
This holistic and hands-on training empowers RAIN WORKERS+ to act as knowledgeable, confident, and culturally sensitive facilitators who can lead interventions with impact and empathy.
Module 3 – Girl Empowerment Camp
The Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) is implemented as an emergency protection and empowerment measure during the so-called cutting season, which typically coincides with the long school holidays (October to December/January). The program runs for two to three weeks, depending on the school calendar and local cutting practices, and is designed to protect at-risk girls per camp.
Key features of the GEP include:
- Temporary protection and holistic empowerment for the participating girls, offering them a safe space and life skills during a period of heightened risk.
- Pre-camp and post-camp home visits, where each girl’s risk of undergoing FGM/C is individually assessed. These visits also include discussions with family members to raise awareness and build trust.
- Family involvement is a central component of the program. Mothers, fathers, and especially brothers—as future decision-makers and husbands—are included in educational and dialogue sessions to help shift harmful norms from within.
- All staff working in the camps must have previously completed the RAIN WORKERS+ training to ensure they are well-prepared to address sensitive topics and provide psychosocial support.
The GEP not only serves as an immediate protective intervention but also aims to build long-term resilience in girls and their families, laying the groundwork for sustainable change in community attitudes toward FGM/C.
Module 4 – Community Sensitization: TREETINGS
To create lasting change and foster a true “Change of Behaviour”, ongoing community engagement is essential. This module focuses on regular, inclusive sensitization efforts carried out by the trained RAIN WORKERS+ to reach a wide range of target groups within the community.
A team of 15 RAIN WORKERS+, always working in gender-balanced pairs (one man and one woman), conducts weekly outreach sessions, tailored to the specific needs and realities of each group. Target audience includes:
- Chiefs, Clan Elders, and religious and cultural leaders
- Community-wide events to raise general awareness
- Women’s and men’s groups, addressing gender roles and responsibilities
- Informal youth groups, providing peer education in safe spaces
- Boda-Boda drivers, a key male audience often connected to youth culture (they receive branded reflector jackets as incentives and conversation starters)
- Faith-based settings, including church services and Sunday schools
- Workshops with institutional stakeholders such as Children Officers, SGBV Officers, and police representatives
Since many of these meetings take place outdoors in traditional village settings, often under trees, we call them TREETINGS – symbolizing open, grassroots dialogue.
Local supervisors play a crucial role in this module:
They coordinate the weekly schedules, assign outreach locations, and ensure proper documentation and reporting. This structured yet flexible approach allows the interventions to be responsive, locally grounded, and scalable.
Module 5 – Radio Talks
To further amplify the reach of community engagement, local radio broadcasts will be used as a powerful tool for awareness and education. Radio is an accessible and trusted medium in many rural areas, allowing messages to reach even the most remote households.
Radio plays a vital role in awareness-raising across Africa. It remains the most accessible and affordable medium, found in nearly every household – even in remote areas without internet access. Studies show that radio is often the first source of information, particularly empowering women by improving their access to knowledge[1].
Unlike social media, radio is widely perceived as a trustworthy source. While over 80% of Africans own a mobile phone, less than half have regular internet access due to high data costs. Most African countries have numerous local radio stations that broadcast in local languages, making them an ideal platform for outreach [2].
Under this module, radio talk shows will be aired on popular local-language stations, ensuring cultural relevance and wide listenership.
Key features of the Radio Talks:
- Content development will be led by the project team, focusing on relevant topics such as FGM/C, child marriage, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and alternative rites of passage.
- Trained RAIN WORKERS+ will serve as key speakers, sharing expert knowledge and real-life experiences.
- Guest speakers – including former circumcisers, survivors of FGM/C, local chiefs, members of the Elders’ Council, and youth advocates—will be invited to share their perspectives and inspire change.
- The shows will be coordinated by local supervisors, who oversee logistics, scheduling, and content approval to ensure consistency and quality.
These radio segments serve not only to inform but also to spark conversation, challenge harmful norms, and showcase positive examples of transformation from within the communities themselves.
Module 6 – Institutional Interventions (Schools, Religious Communities, Health Institutions, etc.)
This module focuses on structured, formalized interventions within established institutions, complementing the informal outreach of TREETINGS (Module 4). While community gatherings often take place in open, informal settings, institutional interventions are integrated into existing frameworks such as schools, churches, mosques, and health centers—settings that offer continuity, credibility, and access to broad audiences.
Key elements of this module include:
- RAIN WORKERS+ operate in pairs (one man and one woman) and use their local networks to gain entry and build trust within institutions.
- At least five different institutions per pair must be engaged per year.
- Each institution is visited a minimum of three times annually to ensure continuity, foster trust, and build long-term cooperation.
- Each pair reaches a minimum of 500 individuals per year through their institutional outreach—this may include students, teachers, health workers, congregants, or patients.
- Two new institutions should be added to the network each year to expand the program’s reach.
- Monitoring and reporting are conducted every six months, assessing outreach, collaboration quality, and community response.
This approach ensures that awareness and prevention messages are embedded in long-standing community structures, helping to normalize topics like FGM/C, sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and child protection. By integrating with institutions that shape values and daily life, this module lays a strong foundation for sustainable, systemic change.
Module 7 – Monitoring and Evaluation, Impact Measurement
Monitoring and evaluation of the results of the Empowerment Camps, as well as the community and institutional outreaches, shall be carried out regularly by the internal team. The output (number of sessions, number of families visited, number of radio talks, etc.) is measured quantitatively.
In addition, to ensure sustainability and the effective use of resources, we aim to assess whether and how our interventions lead to a long-term positive impact and behavioural change within the communities.
Social change is a gradual process. It typically begins with an increase in knowledge (Change of Knowledge), which can be achieved in a relatively short period. This is followed by a shift in attitudes (Change of Attitude), and only then can actual behavioural change (Change of Behaviour) occur. Changing behaviour is often a lengthy process, particularly when it is tied to deep-rooted cultural, traditional, or religious beliefs and social norms.
In addition to quantitative monitoring, qualitative interviews will be conducted using the Most Significant Change (MSC) method. Beneficiaries will be asked to share the most significant change they have experienced since the start of our interventions. These stories will not only reveal the most important changes but will also highlight unexpected or unintended changes. Furthermore, these success stories will provide valuable content for fundraising and communication efforts, offering a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts of our work.
Module 8 – Social Media and On-the-Ground Campaigns
To amplify the impact of our interventions, we will run accompanying social media and on-the-ground campaigns. These efforts will raise awareness, engage wider audiences, and build a supportive network for sustainable change.
Social Media Campaigns: We will share stories, educational content, success stories, and updates on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The focus will be on gender equality, combating FGM/C, and raising awareness of sexual and reproductive health rights. Additionally, we will feature men as Male Champions in videos speaking out against FGM/C, in collaboration with our partners:
- 16 Days of Activism: During the annual „16 Days of Activism,“ we will engage men and boys in the fight against violence and FGM/C through social media videos and events that showcase male leaders as positive role models.
On-the-Ground Campaigns: Local grassroots initiatives such as informational events, workshops, and community outreach will be organized. These activities will be carried out by trained RAIN WORKERS+ and local volunteers to directly educate communities on the dangers of FGM/C, child marriage, gender-based violence, and reproductive health.
- End FGM Caravan in Kenya: On a designated day, a public march will be held in our target regions to protest FGM/C. Participants, including girls from the Empowerment Camps and those reached through TREETINGS, will march behind a truck with music, banners, and speeches. The aim is to build a growing movement each year. Participants will receive T-shirts, and role models and activists will join the march, supported by the Anti-FGM Committee and local representatives.
