Source: AllAfrica
Mara — CHILDREN'S Dignity Forum (CDF) is implementing an ambitious project aimed at saving schoolgirls from the menace of female genital mutilation (FGM), early marriages and HIV/AIDS in Mara Region.
The project dubbed Strengthen Girls Network and Clubs in Response to Child Marriage, FGM and HIV Prevention Strategies is targeting public schools in Tarime, Rorya, Musoma rural and Musoma municipality.
Ms Fransisca Silayo, the project coordinator, made the revelation during a special function organized by the NGO to provide anti- FGM, early marriages and HIV/AIDS education to female pupils of Nyasho B Primary School in Musoma Municipality late last week. The schoolgirls hailed CDF for introducing the project and wanted the society to value them as it is the case with boys.
"We thank CDF for giving us education on the negative impacts of early marriages, female circumcision and HIV virus prevention," Neema Patrick, a standard seven pupil at Nyasho B Primary School said. The project coordinator appealed for close cooperation from the government and traditional leaders.
Mara is one of Tanzania mainland regions where FGM is still widely practised something which has triggered interventions from local and international organizations.
CDF is one of the local NGO's that have of late years been striving to support the government's efforts aimed at eliminating FGM and early marriages in the lake zone region which is also rated as having many gender violence cases.
Ms Fransisca underscored the need to amend the 1971 Marriage Act in a bid to boost the campaign against early marriages. "Despite our efforts the 1971 Marriage Act is a problem, we would like to see the law being amended," the official said.