AYDA Community Advocates Programme for FGM and DASV

Community Advocates – what are they?

‘Community Advocates’ – as the voices of communities affected by FGM speaking out against the practice – have been the driver of change in the FGM campaign. Ayda aims to enable women, men, young people, and religious leaders to actively engage in the campaign and become community advocates, providing them with the skills and confidence to publicly speak out within their communities and among their peers.

Why?

Community Advocates are often able to access informal spaces and social networks and make contact with hard-to-reach groups. They can engage their peers and quickly create trusting relationships. Community Advocates often have a multiplier effect, taking FGM messages back to their communities. Community Advocates also highlight that affected communities have the responsibility and power to create change within their communities. Finally, the process of becoming a community champion is an empowering journey.