In 2007 and 2008, NPWJ FGM work is focused on
Sudan and
Eritrea, and has four main objectives: to develop capacity in reviewing and drafting specific laws on FGM that positively promote abandonment strategies and promote gender equality and related issues; to understand “best practices” or “lessons learned” in the implementation and enforcement of specific legislative measures on FGM; to encourage collaboration through dialogue, partnerships and networks between governments, civil society, the donor community and other stakeholders; and finally, to promote the ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and to organise initiatives to increase the visibility of FGM-abandonment activities and commitments.
The first objective aims to increase the quantity and quality of legislative drafts, proposals and acts of parliaments incorporating abandonment strategies. It will be achieved by seconding legal advisers to provide direct assistance and capacity building and training of parliamentarians, legislative drafters and others involved in the legislative process, on effective legislation to incorporate the obligations of the Protocol through: an analysis of existing legislation prohibiting FGM and promoting gender equality and related issues; examination of current policies and legislation; participation in the drafting of domestic legislation to implement the provisions contained in the Protocol, or more generally any FGM abandonment measure and strategy; and drafting white papers and position papers or explanatory memoranda for presentation to Cabinet or to Parliament.
The second objective will be achieved though the drafting of a
Global Study, a comparative assessment of FGM-related legislation in member States of the African Union which will illustrate “best practices” or “lessons learned” in the implementation and enforcement of specific legislative measures on FGM. The approach focuses on the law as a protective instrument for those who want to abandon FGM, more than a punishment for those who still practice it.
The third objective consists in establishing formal or informal co-ordination or information-sharing structures between Government and civil society, in order to increase the capacity of civil society to address FGM and to lobby Government on FGM and related issues. NPWJ assists in building partnerships across sectors, including between civil society and state structures, by involving both activists and government representatives working towards the abandonment of FGM, including through donor education; as well as facilitates public information and outreach campaigns to promote awareness on FGM and related issues, the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and women’s rights in general, enhancing the development of professional and advocacy skills of FGM abandonment advocates. This will contribute to the development of an integrated strategy towards the abandonment of FGM, involving as many actors as possible both at institutional and civil society level and fosterstrategic coordination and cooperation, through the sharing of experiences, best practices and lessons learned.
The fourth objective, promoting the ratification of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa and organising initiatives to give FGM visibility in the countries, will be achieved by building the political will towards ratification of the Protocol and the adoption of effective implementing legislation; and in the case of political leaders in particular, to commit state structures to build partnerships with civil society and establish effective and coordinated strategies to counter FGM.
NPWJ also works in Europe with African women’s organisations, including in particular members of the European Network Against Harmful Traditional Practices and with the relevant ministries of EU member states, to facilitate an effective and timely application of FGM legislation, such as the Italian law on FGM adopted in January 2006, by garnering political will and technical expertise on women’s rights, including the right to physical integrity, through the organisation of consultations, meetings and seminars.
This strategy is currently implemented through multiple-donor and multi-regional projects, in partnership with civil society actors, high level policy- and decision-makers; legislators; Parliamentarians; government officials; and civil society, including NGOs, traditional, religious and other opinion‑leaders.
Current funding is generously provided by the Government of Italy, through UNICEF, and by the Open Society Institute; additional co-funding is being sought from other donors.
