Support for Mgesi Joseph’s Work with FGM Survivors
Mgesi Joseph, originally from Manyara and now based in Kilemela Matumbi, is a passionate advocate dedicated to helping girls and women who escape the traumatic practice of FGM. She provides a safe refuge for these survivors, offering them the essential care and support they need to heal both physically and emotionally.
Through her work, Mgesi has taken us to meet the girls under her care, where we have witnessed firsthand the challenges they face. Many of these girls have fled from the circumcision process, often at great personal risk, and now find themselves in need of both protection and healing. Mgesi’s dedication is rooted in the belief that every girl deserves a life free from fear and pain, and she works tirelessly to provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
The girls Mgesi helps often face severe mental health challenges, including feelings of isolation. After experiencing such trauma, many of them withdraw from others, struggling to cope with the emotional scars left by FGM. This isolation can be compounded by the lack of support from their communities, which may still uphold the practice of FGM. As such, it is essential to provide these girls not only with shelter, food, and medical care but also with the psychological support they need to heal.
Some of the girls under Mgesi’s care have already returned to school, marking an important step in their recovery and empowerment. Education provides these girls with the tools they need to regain their confidence and pursue their dreams, but it is just one part of the support they require. These girls also need counseling, mentorship, and the chance to engage with communities that offer healing and understanding.
While we are in the process of working with Mgesi, her work is clear: it is about more than just offering refuge; it is about providing these girls with the opportunity to heal, thrive, and break free from the cycle of FGM.
Mgesi’s efforts go hand in hand with raising awareness in the communities still practicing FGM. Educating these communities about the harmful effects of FGM and promoting alternative rites of passage are crucial to ending the practice.
“With the right support, these girls can go on to lead full, empowered lives,” Mgesi says, reflecting her deep passion for her mission.
Through supporting Mgesi’s work, we can help provide these girls with the care they need to rebuild their futures, break free from trauma, and live the lives they deserve.