Skip Navigation
You Are In: About Us > Embassy News > Press Releases 07 > Nov 06, 07
Skip Left Section Navigation

Press Releases

U.S. Ambassador Visits Tanzanian Anti-FGM NGO in Dodoma

November 6, 2007

On Tuesday, November 6, Ambassador Green visited the AFNET offices in Dodoma to meet anti-FGM (female genital mutilation) campaigners. The Ambassador presented certificates of appreciation to youth trainers and other members of AFNET for their contribution in curbing FGM practices.

AFNET was established in 1999 mainly to address the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The network has been a partner of the U.S. Government’s civil society strengthening work in Tanzania for the past three years. The membership of the organization stands at 4500 individual members and 425 groups in 9 regions of Tanzania. To date the scope of the organization has broadened to include HIV/AIDS, life skills for youth, and communication without losing touch on FGM. AFNET is now also involved in public expenditure tracking systems (PETS) in and around Dodoma.

AFNET’s objectives are:

  • To educate and sensitize communities on the dangers and effects of genital mutilation to the life and health of women and girls;
  • To promote empowerment of communities to enable them to identify their own social, political, economic problems and take appropriate actions;
  • To collaborate with the government, other NGOs, other institutions, CBOs and the community at large to eradicate harmful traditions and practices;
  • To use sensitization, training and facilitation to begin action-oriented change processes in governance, gender relations and economic empowerment;
  • To build the capacity of communities and groups to lobby and advocate;
  • To facilitate the generating and dissemination of information.

    •