A traditional practice such as female genital mutilation (FGM) is embedded within a social framework exposed to numerous and diverse influences. This being the case, FGM can only be successfully eliminated when as many social factors and stakeholders as possible are brought on board. GIZ uses an holistic approach that targets a number of different levels: information and education, direct sensitisation and dialogue at the target group level, strengthening of the capacities of institutions and organisations, and policy advice on the national level. This combination is unique within the context of international commitment to end female genital mutilation. We wish to contribute to the effort to eliminate this practice sustainably and by doing so to see that women's and girls' human rights are observed.

Policy dialogue: a key factor
There can be no hope for long-term success in ending female genital mutilation without the commitment of the governments of the countries in which FGM is practiced. In practical terms, this means that we work to support the national level, too, in creating framework conditions in these countries that are conducive to the elimination of FGM. In its work BMZ is making FGM a constant component of policy dialogue with the partner countries affected by raising the issue, for instance, in government negotiations and consultations.

Prompting changes on a number of levels in partner countries
In currently nine African partner countries, GIZ actively promotes measures to end FGM as part of German development cooperation in the health, education and good governance sectors. This effort calls for long-term strategies geared towards social change. Approaches that primarily address the local level, such as the intergenerational dialogue, are deliberately combined with organisational development, network formation and policy advice on the national level (e.g. advising the partner government on creating national legislation against FGM).

Working across sectors and benefiting from synergies
GIZ makes a particular effort to ensure that measures to end female genital mutilation are mainstreamed not only in reproductive health projects but also in programmes conducted in the areas of education, rule of law, human rights and decentralisation. For countries where FGM is practiced, we develop instruments that link the strategies of German development cooperation with the elimination of FGM. Other cross-sectoral themes such as HIV/AIDS and gender are included as well. In addition, we deliberately get key actors involved – such as doctors, religious and traditional leaders and politicians – whose special social standing enables them to influence public opinion. GIZ’s approach to ending female genital mutilation is cross-sectoral and geared towards the multifaceted and complex nature of this issue. Positive interaction between development policy issues and the range of instruments of different development cooperation organisations can be used effectively and a permanent change in attitudes and behaviour brought about. A coordinated procedure involving German development cooperation programmes and the efforts of other international donors broadens the impact of the programmes and opens up opportunities to gain new partners