Violence Against Women
Source: allAfrica
Tarime — Members of child protection teams are undergoing special training aimed at strengthening child protection measures in Tarime District, Mara Region.
The 10- days training sponsored by the European Union (EU) has been organized by Plan International in-collaboration with Children's Dignity Forum (CDF), a local NGO leading on-going campaigns designed to eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage in the region.
Tarime District officials have commended the training and expressed their expectations in helping to save young girls from forced mutilation. There are reports that hundreds of girls are at risk of undergoing the harmful cut here next month.
"The training will enlighten members of child protection teams on steps and rules to follow when dealing with violence cases against children," Tarime District Community Development Officer Mr Victor Kabuje told the 'Daily News' shortly after opening the training at a hotel in Tarime on Tuesday.
In part of his opening speech, Mr Kabuje urged members of the child protection teams to set a good example by not subjecting their children to FGM, a practice that is still seen as an important culture in the region.
"Let us be role models and say no to FGM and other GBV acts," the official stressed to the participants who included local and religious leaders.
The training involved five wards with 21 villages benefiting from the EU funded project, according to the Project Coordinator from Plan International, Mr Shaban Shaban. "We believe the training will be helpful especially at this time when FGM season is about to take place.
We wish to see children who are not willing to be mutilated being saved by the child protection teams," Mr Shaban said.
He mentioned the targeted wards as Susuni, Sabasaba, Sirari, Matongo and Nyamwaga.
Ms Siwema Sylvester, a Social Welfare Officer in Tarime District said the child protection teams will help to expose Gender Based Violence (GBV) acts facing children as well as providing anti-GBV education at village and ward levels after receiving the training.
By Mugini Jacob