Ending Female Genital Cutting in Guinea

This USAID-funded project was a Pathfinder-led initiative to reduce and eliminate the practice of female genital cutting in Guinea. Female genital cutting often results in severe physical, social, and psychological consequences and is increasingly viewed as a violation of the rights of girls and women. Despite growing recognition that female genital cutting is harmful, the practice is deeply rooted in Guinean society, with 95 percent of Guinean girls or women having experienced it. This important project was led by Pathfinder in partnership with Tostan and Population Services International.

The project increased awareness of the harmful effects of female genital cutting while improving the capacity of civil society organizations to work toward reducing and eventually eliminating the practice in the country. Pathfinder and partners built on previously successful female genital cutting reduction programs using Tostan’s community-centered approach to change attitudes about and the practice of female genital cutting. In addition, Pathfinder and Population Services International used social marketing through focused media campaigns of health messages to boost project results. Tostan's approach is two-pronged and implements education and training for community members as well as the creation of community management committees. The project used Pathfinder's Continuum of Care model to address issues such as emergency obstetric care, and use opportunities such an antenatal visits to conduct health education sessions in which the negative complications of female genital cutting can be addressed with pregnant women.

In addition to female genital cutting, the project addressed Guinea's challenges in the areas of maternal and child health and increased access to and demand for basic health services.