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The foundation was established in 2020 to empower women and girls and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including the deeply rooted cultural and traditional practice of FGM/C.
Ask Bajen, an influential women-led advocacy group and community advocate, is a vibrant initiative created by the (PF)-Initiative (formerly known as the (Paradise Foundation)) to address the deep-rooted issues of gender-based violence and gender-based violence.
Aisha Baldeh, Executive Director of PF Initiatives, highlighted the Paradise Foundation’s advocacy projects on female genital mutilation (FGM/C) and other issues, saying that these projects have gained wide recognition and authority, especially as a pioneer organization in establishing and operating the national SGBV helpline “1313”.
“In addition, Paradise Foundation, as part of its advocacy programme, conducts gender-based violence awareness programmes in schools and communities to create awareness about the dangers of gender-based violence, including FGM, and the rights of girls and women,” she said, adding that they also provide medical and psychological support services to women who have undergone FGM and face physical or emotional problems.
She explains that at the heart of their strategy is a community-centred approach, exemplified by the Ask Bajen project, whose network of women advocates are deeply rooted in the local community. This, she says, fosters trust and ensures cultural sensitivity is promoted, making their efforts to address issues such as FGM/C both meaningful and effective.
Ms. Balde said that by adapting their communication methods to the local culture, their educational materials and campaigns resonated deeply with their target audience.
She believes that sensitivity to local contexts enhances the effectiveness of their advocacy, ensuring their messages are well received and impactful, while the strong connections they build within communities foster trust and open communication, facilitating more effective interventions.
Following calls by some academics to lift the ban on FGM/C, she advised to continue seeking support from healthcare professionals, counsellors or calling the toll-free number ‘1313’. She also encouraged women and girls to be aware of their rights and available legal options.
To help FGM/C survivors who are experiencing difficulties, the Paradise Foundation SGBV Helpline provides various support services such as healthcare referrals, through which survivors can be connected with medical professionals who can address the health complications caused by FGM/C, counseling services, or referrals to one-stop centers to help survivors cope with the emotional trauma of FGM/C.
Ms. Barde highlighted the impact of FGM, saying it has serious consequences, including physical health problems: pain, bleeding, infection, scarring, difficulty urinating or menstrual cramps, psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and difficulties in sexual relationships.
Additionally, she noted, it increases the risk of complications during childbirth and future surgeries.
To make girls aware of their right to decide what to do with their bodies, the Paradise Foundation plans to develop a campaign to educate girls about body anatomy. This will include interactive classes to discuss body rights and the dangers of FGM/C, as well as the production and distribution of pamphlets, posters or infographics on the subject.
The Paradise Foundation also works with other civil society organizations and the government (primarily the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare and the Gambia Police Force) to advocate for stricter laws against gender-based violence, including FGM.
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