Using musical activism to end FGM in the Gambia
Our TuWezeshe Young Women Leadership training has inspired young female leaders in Africa, spanning across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Somaliland. Last year, we ran our first TuWezeshe leadership training in the Gambia with our local partner Think Young Women, under the UN-EU Spotlight Initiative. Focused on creating long-lasting change for Gambian women and girls, we trained 25 fellows, providing them with sub-grants and mentoring support to run social action projects addressing FGM.
TuWezeshe fellows Praise Gimba and Sally Njie used their artistic and musical flair to create a powerful music video to raise awareness of the profound harms of FGM with Gambian artists Awa Bling and Maryama Cham. Striking a harmonious balance between traditional and modern musical styles, the song “Cut No More” uses English, Mandinka and Wolof languages to reach as many communities as possible. The message? FGM is illegal, harmful and a violation of human rights.
This incredible project makes a powerful call to stop FGM through the talent and creativity of young women, who are undoubtedly making history in their communities through their activism!
