Escaping the Scourge of Female Genital Mutilation in Tanzania: A Maasai Girls’ School Provides Scholarships for Those at Risk

Nengai ran, and sought refuge with one of her teachers, who risked her own safety by taking her to the Maasai Girls’ Lutheran Church Secondary School in Monduli. Since completing her education and training as a teacher, Nengai now works in the nearby regions of Arusha and Manyara, home to large Maasai populations, where UN Women’s partner organisation, the Maasai Women Development Organisation (MWEDO), has provided women and girls with education for years.

At the MWEDO girls’ school near Arusha, girls like (left to right) Narau Kimani, Rhoda Bakari and Naserian Elikana avoid the scourge of female genital mutilation and child marriage. Photo: UN Women/Laura Beke

At the MWEDO girls’ school near the town of Arusha, 86 girls -many of whom would otherwise have been circumcised and/or married- have been identified and given scholarships with full board to ensure they complete a minimum level of education and can be worth more than the dowry to their families.