Owing to their gender roles and social status, women in many countries are affected to a greater degree by venereal diseases and HIV. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still brutally practised in numerous countries. MISEREOR not only comes to the sick women’s aid, but also carries out information and communication activities among women and men, and raises their awareness of essential preventive measures.

An example from Mali

In south-western Mali, 98% of the female population are subjected to the culturally deeply-rooted custom of female genital mutilation. The procedure, which is carried out under appalling hygienic and medical conditions, usually leaves life-long physical damage and psychological scars. Many girls die as a result of infections or haemorrhaging. In the diocese of Kati, MISEREOR is supporting TAGNE, an organisation founded by village women that is challenging this traditional practice. TAGNE approaches women who carry out mutilation and shows them alternative ways of earning a living. For instance, restaurants and businesses have been started up in which these women can find work. In an effort to target men and sensitise them on this issue, a football tournament was organised, with one of the teams sporting jerseys that bore slogans opposing FGM. The wheels are thus in motion for a change in public attitudes to FGM.