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Ebyan Initiative to End FGM/C – COIN – FUND Phase II Program

Shabele Zone – Gode Town – Somali Region

Program Overview

Program Goal
Reduce the prevalence of FGM/C in Gode town by transforming harmful social norms, empowering women and youth, and fostering sustained cultural and behavioral change.

location:-

Gode Town, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Duration:-

1 June 2025 – 30 November 2026

Target Population :-

Women, men, adolescent girls, adolescent boys, community and religious leaders

Target Beneficiaries:-

2,900 individuals (843 women; 877 men; 578 adolescent girls; 602 adolescent boys)

Reached beneficiaries:-

800 individuals (80% female; 20% male)

Donor / Partner:-

GIZ – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH

Total Budget:-

Euro 44,684

Thematic Area:-

Protection & Education

Program Description

The Challenge
The Somali Region has the highest FGM/C prevalence in Ethiopia, recorded at 98.5% (EDHS 2016). In Gode town, the practice is nearly universal, with most girls subjected to Type III (infibulation), the most severe form.

Despite national laws criminalizing FGM/C, the practice persists due to:

  • Deep-rooted cultural norms linking FGM/C to purity, marriageability, and honor
  • Limited awareness of the health, psychological, and legal consequences
  • Social pressure, stigma, and silence around harmful practices
  • Scarce community-driven alternative narratives
  • Insufficient local capacity to sustain anti-FGM/C efforts

These drivers continue to expose women and girls to violence, long-term health risks, and reduced educational and economic opportunities.

Why EBYAN

Evidence shows that community-led, culturally rooted norm-change interventions are the most effective in ending FGM/C. The EBYAN Initiative introduces a culturally resonant message— “Girls are already whole, healthy, and perfect”—to challenge justifications for FGM/C and build collective support for abandonment.

The initiative strategically invests in:

  • Social norm transformation
  • Community champions
  • Behavior change communication
  • Collective declarations and accountability
  • Engagement of elders, religious leaders, parents, and youth

Implementation Approach

The initiative uses a multi-layered social and behavior change model anchored on local leadership, public dialogue, and culturally grounded communication. Activities focus on knowledge, attitudes, social influence, and public commitment.

EBYAN promotes community ownership through trained Ebyan Community Champions (ECC) who facilitate dialogue, advocate for change, and mobilize their networks.

Key Interventions

  1. Development & Dissemination of Ebyan IEC Materials: Design, pretesting, printing, and distribution of culturally resonant visual and audio materials.
  2. Mobilization & Training of Ebyan Community Champions: Identify and train 15 ECCs (women, men, and youth) on the Ebyan model, facilitation, and norm-change techniques.
  3. Community Dialogue Sessions: Structured group sessions targeting women, men, religious leaders, and adolescents. Dialogue formats include storytelling, structured conversations, discussions, and reflection sessions.
  4. Public Declarations & Community Pledges: Facilitate public commitments to abandon FGM/C.: Engage the community and religious leaders to endorse abandonment messages.

Cross-Cutting Themes

Gender Equality & Women’s Empowerment; Protection & GBV Prevention; Do-No-Harm & Safeguarding (including PSEA); Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP); Cultural Sensitivity & Community Ownership; Social Norms Transformation Approach

Results / Achievements (as of 2025)

  • Completed design, pretesting, and production of Ebyan IEC materials
  • Trained and deployed 15 Ebyan Community Champions
  • Community dialogue sessions initiated and ongoing
  • Strengthened coordination with local government and community structures

Partners & Stakeholders

CAAP implements EBYAN in close collaboration with:

  •  Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – Funding Partner
  • SRS Bureau of Women & Children Affairs (BoWCA) – Regional Partner
  • SRS Bureau of Finance (BoF) – Government Oversight
  • Gode Women and Children Affairs Office & Education Office – City Administration Partners
  • Community & Religious Leaders – Norm Change and Advocacy
  • Youth, Women, and School Networks – Community Mobilization Partners

Sustainability Strategy

  • Community Ownership: ECC continues facilitating advocacy and dialogue beyond project completion.
  • Cultural Relevance: Ebyan’s message aligns with local values, strengthening acceptance.
  • Capacity Building: Skills transferred to ECC, religious leaders, and local government structures.
  • Institutional Integration: Anti-FGM/C messaging embedded into schools, women’s associations, and community forums.
  • Follow-Up & Reinforcement: Continuous monitoring, community pledges, and accountability mechanisms.
  • Behavior Change Continuity: Public declarations reduce secrecy and drive collective abandonment.

Resources

Ebyan Images

Contact Information