“People tell me we inherited this practice – that they’re doing it because their neighbours are doing it,” Georgi Wahba told UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. In his village in the Minya Governorate of Upper Egypt, Mr. Wahba, 53, has become well known for his advocacy against female genital mutilation – a practice that although outlawed in the country, remains widespread. An estimated 86 per cent of ever-married women, aged 15 to 49, in Egypt have undergone some form of the procedure, rising to 96 per cent in Upper Egypt.

To tackle the taboos that often cloud conversations around the topic, Mr. Wahba aims to ensure that the learning experience is enjoyable and inclusive for everyone. “We bring together entire families – a husband and wife and their daughters, and spend the day with them” he said.

The project, which is funded by the Government of Norway, also offers training on how to communicate about harmful practices with fellow community members. Since its inception in 2021, over 350 community members have participated and, like Mr. Wahba, have become “Dialogue Champions”.

Read more about this campain on the UNFPA page.