Men for Equality, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to engage fathers as champions for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the Upper River Region (URR), Lower River Region (LRR), and Central River Region (CRR). Recognizing that fathers and male guardians often play decisive roles in household and community decisions, this project positions men as key agents of change in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of girls.
Engaging Fathers as Agents of Transformation
The Fathers’ Clubs initiative focuses on equipping men with the knowledge, tools, and motivation to actively challenge harmful practices and embrace positive masculinity. By targeting fathers, the project ensures that interventions reach decision-makers who can influence household norms and support the abandonment of FGM at the community level.
Key Components of the Initiative
1. Intensive Community-Level Training
Fathers participate in interactive training sessions covering:
- The health, social, and psychological consequences of FGM
- Positive masculinity and respectful fatherhood
- Responsible parenting and family decision-making
These sessions encourage reflection, dialogue, and practical strategies for promoting equality and protection within homes and communities.
2. Establishment of Fathers’ Clubs
The project establishes long-term platforms for male engagement, providing fathers with ongoing peer support, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities. These clubs create spaces where men can share experiences, challenge harmful norms, and collectively commit to ending FGM.
3. Grassroots Mobilization for Collective Action
Beyond training and clubs, the initiative fosters community ownership through outreach campaigns, community meetings, and engagement with local leaders. Fathers’ Clubs become hubs for mobilizing collective action, ensuring that change is sustained and locally led.
A National Milestone in Male Engagement
This initiative marks a significant advancement in male-focused strategies to protect girls and promote gender equality in The Gambia. By engaging fathers as active participants in social transformation, Men for Equality and UNICEF are fostering a culture where men lead by example, harmful practices are abandoned, and communities collectively uphold the rights, safety, and dignity of all children.
