An innovative step towards ending harmful practices
Empowering young girls through mobile-based training in the Sidama region of Ethiopia
Technology has quickly changed everything and paved the way for people to connect and communicate easily. Technology has also provided new prospects to empower communities and address the needs of vulnerable groups especially young girls. In Sidama region of Ethiopia, young girls are receiving mobile-based trainings using interactive voice response (IVR) to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) and end child marriage (CM). The training aims to empower and equip girls aged 10-19 with important life skills to protect themselves from violence and harmful practices. Young girls in the Sidama region shared the following on the initiative: -
“The training is fun and convenient. I can listen to it while doing house chores and it helped me understand more about the negative impact of harmful practices. I now more than ever believe that children need to stay in school. I believe education is a gateway to everything and if a girl is educated, she can choose what to do with her life.”
“I don’t believe in child marriage, and I stand against the practice of FGM. If a girl is educated, her energy and effort will be put into a good place. But if she is subjected to these harmful practices, her energy will be wasted. So the training helped me to stand firm in my beliefs and not give in to peer pressure. Now I teach others, so they understand the consequences and contribute to bringing an end to this practice.“
“Every young girl and women have a dream, but these harmful practices take away the chance of making those dreams come true. In addition, the psychological pressure they bring is heavy and overlooked. So, I stand against these practice and provide support to my community through the information I receive from the IVR training.”
"The training helped me to be more confident in my stand against harmful practices. I believe, FGM and CM take away young girls' identity and leave them dependent on others. So, i want families to start supporting young girl and make sure that they don't experience pain caused by these practices."
"Women are vulnerable to different harmful practices. But I don’t believe women want this or wish this on themselves. I used to doubt myself and shy away from conversations but after the IVR training, I started voicing my opinion and teaching others. I want my community to know that these practices came from tradition and not science."
The IVR training in the Sidama region has helped to bring a positive change in the community. This innovative approach is also opening conversation between young girls and families. And as a result, families are rejecting harmful practices and prioritizing the protection of their young girls from any suffering. To this end, UNICEF with support from its partners is paving new ways for young girls to stay in school, learn and reach their full potential. But more needs to be done.
On behalf of the girls and women and their families and communities served by the Joint Programme, UNICEF would like to thank the generous contribution of the government of Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden, The United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the European Union through spotlight initiative Africa regional programme.
