Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a reality with harmful consequences for women and girls in many societies, highlighting the need for innovative strategies to end this harmful practice for thousands of women and girls around the world. The fight to end FGM cannot be accomplished without addressing the rigid gender norms and toxic constructions of masculinity that help perpetuate this harmful tradition. It is with this in mind that the “Practical Sheet – Working on masculinities in field activities to end FGM” was created following discussions and exchanges within the COP FGM.

This practical sheet aims to integrate gender-transformative approaches into initiatives to tackle FGM, focusing specifically on transforming toxic masculinities into positive, co-responsible masculinities. The aim of this tool is to raise awareness and involve men and boys as allies for change in the efforts to end female genital mutilation and gender-based violence in general.

What does this practical sheet propose?

• Contextualization: The sheet provides an overview of FGM and its connection to gender norms. It highlights the crucial importance of working on masculinities to create meaningful change.
• Education and Awareness: It suggests strategies to raise awareness among men and boys about the consequences of FGM, emphasizing education, communication, and challenging gender stereotypes.
• Training Community Leaders: It identifies approaches to train community leaders, including religious leaders and figures of authority, on gender issues and FGM, encouraging them to become allies for change.
• Engaging Men in Prevention Campaigns: It offers methods to actively involve men in FGM prevention campaigns, promoting positive role model and influence within the community.
• Psychosocial Support: It emphasizes the importance of providing psychosocial support in activities for men and boys challenging harmful gender norms, recognizing that this transformation can be an emotionally complex process.

How to Implement this Sheet in the Field?

1. Training and Awareness: Organize training sessions with fieldworkers and community leaders on the importance of working on masculinities to end FGM in various awareness activities and workshops with communities affected by FGM.
2. Integration into Existing Programs: Incorporate the practical sheet into existing FGM prevention programs, ensuring synergy with other gender initiatives.
3. Establishing Partnerships: Form partnerships with organizations working on gender issues to maximize the impact of the tool.
4. Continuous Evaluation: Implement mechanisms for continuous evaluation to measure the effectiveness of the tool and adjust based on feedback.

The “Practical Sheet – Working on Masculinities in Field Activities to End FGM” emerges as an essential resource in the fight against FGM. By actively engaging men and boys in the transformation of harmful and toxic masculinities, this tool offers a promising new perspective and an additional lever to activate in the broader struggle to end FGM and Gender-Based Violence (GBG) in general.