A decisive step toward ending FGM. Circuit Pointe launched a new initiative supported by the French Embassy to challenge harmful norms and empower survivors and community leaders to lead change.
Why This Matters
FGM/C is one of the most harmful traditional practices, violating human rights and threatening health, dignity, and equality. For Circuit Pointe, ending FGM is not just a campaign it is a commitment to justice and change, rooted in community voices and survivor leadership. That was why we proudly launched our new initiative: "Ending FGM Through Community-Led Advocacy," supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organizations (FEF-OSC). This program builds on our long-standing work to challenge harmful norms, empower survivors, and mobilize communities toward lasting abandonment of FGM/C.
What We Aim to Achieve
The project seeks to reduce the prevalence of FGM/C by strengthening community ownership, peer-led advocacy, and accountability mechanisms. Using a rights-based and culturally sensitive approach, we prioritize collaboration with:
FGM Survivors
State Actors
Traditional and religious leaders
Men and boys
Civil Societies
Community influencers
Together, these champions will challenge harmful norms, address emerging forms of FGM such as Igba Aka/Icho Nma, and promote long-term abandonment of the practice.
Central to this initiative is a Training of Trainers (ToT) model, equipping local advocates with the skills and knowledge to sustain change within their communities.
Where and When
Duration: May 2025 – April 2026
Location: Six communities in Imo and Ebonyi States, Nigeria
These communities were selected based on high FGM prevalence, readiness for change, and alignment with existing anti-FGM efforts.
Who We Will Reach
Direct beneficiaries: 160 individuals, including FGM survivors, young women at risk, traditional and religious leaders, men, and Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) trained as peer educators and advocates.
Indirect beneficiaries: At least 1,500 community members, including families, men and boys, healthcare providers, and local stakeholders—creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the immediate target communities.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the project, we anticipate:
Greater community awareness of health risks, human rights implications, and legal consequences of FGM/C.
A strengthened network of trained peer educators and male champions actively leading advocacy and sensitization efforts.
Public commitments from traditional and religious leaders to abandon FGM/C and integrate anti-FGM messaging into community structures.
Improved collaboration between government ministries and civil society organizations to reinforce accountability and policy alignment.
A measurable reduction in the acceptance and practice of FGM/C within target communities.
Our Gratitude
Circuit Pointe expresses sincere appreciation to the French Embassy in Nigeria through the FEF-OSC for their support and partnership. We also acknowledge the commitment of community leaders, survivors, volunteers, government stakeholders, and civil society partners whose collaboration is critical to the success and sustainability of this initiative.
Our Call to Action
Ending FGM is possible but only if we act together.
Join us in amplifying survivor voices, challenging harmful norms, and building communities where every girl grows up free from violence and fear.
