New hope for the Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM)
An African Coordinating Centre for abandonment of female genital cutting (ACCAF) has been established at the University of Nairobi, Kenya, with a major global support group to share continuing research, promote solidarity, advocacy and implement a well-funded, coordinated and integrated response to abandon female genital cutting (FGC). ACCAF held its first International Conference in Nairobi in 2011, which proved to be a landmark event, establishing new approaches to the prevention of FGC, while also strengthening maternal and child health care and research in Africa. The Conference was attended by researchers, government officials, United Nations staff, representatives of NGOs and bilateral agencies from 17 countries across the world.
The AAUN was early in affirming its commitment to this Centre: a strategic action in a field where collaboration, coordination and support are much needed. This Centre of excellence will help to accelerate actions for the elimination of FGC, offering capacity-building for people who lead prevention or research programmes, development approaches to understand FGC and the mobilization of services, material and human resources. The issues related to FGC are complex and long term, cultural and behavioural, and require careful and sensitive development.
ACCAD has four main strategic objectives: (i) cultural change (by education and supportive environment), (ii) strong network and knowledge exchange between all people working on the abandonment of FGC (including researchers, health professionals and community workers), (iii) identifications of the knowledge gaps (and stimulation of the research), and (iv) strengthening of the capacity of the health care sector to respond to the needs of children and women who have undergone FGC in Africa and beyond. For more information, you will find below the official report of the International Conference held in Nairobi.
UNFPA Nairobi Conference Report