A Welcome Initiative in East Africa: EAC FGM Policy Brief

by Khalidou Mohamed

After reading the EAC Elimination of FGM Bill Policy Brief (East Africa) published by Equality Now, these are the three most important points I learned and my reflections as a humanist.

Important points;

A harmonized regional law to eliminate FGM across countries. The brief argues that individual national laws are not enough; the EAC (East Africa Community) Bill sets a unified definition, penalties, and cross border coordination. It criminalizes aiding or performing FGM across borders to close legal gaps.

Close enforcement gaps and ban medicalization. The Bill calls for mandatory reporting, accountability for medical facilities, bans on medicalizing FGM, and care for survivors. It also seeks to close loopholes and weak enforcement that allow FGM to continue under cover.

Support for education, survivors, and multi sectoral approaches. The brief emphasizes combining legal measures with education, health systems, psychological support, community engagement, and integrating interventions in schools and clinics. It proposes survivor-centered approaches, not just punitive ones.

My feelings, thoughts, and reactions;

As a humanist, I believe in protecting bodies and dignity without recourse to religious justification. FGM is a human rights violation, not a cultural practice to be preserved. This policy brief gives a hopeful path by combining rights, law, and compassion.

I agree wholeheartedly that a regional unified law is smarter than fragmented national ones. Borders should not shield harmful practices. The stronger the legal framework, the harder it is for FGM to hide. The ban on medicalization is crucial: making FGM appear “safe” is a trap. Survivors deserve care and justice, not sanitized violence.

I also appreciate the multi sectoral approach. Laws must be paired with education, outreach, and survivor support. If a law stands alone, it may drive the practice underground. Healing communities means offering alternatives, inclusion, and trust. As a rational humanist, I want evidence based interventions and community respect.

One worry: implementation. Laws and intentions don’t always translate into real change when local systems are weak or corrupt. The success will depend on political will, funding, and persistent monitoring. Also, engaging religious and cultural leaders is delicate, they often have influence and can either support or resist. The approach must be respectful but firm.

In summary, this policy brief is a strong example of humanist values in action: defending bodily autonomy, dignity, and justice. If East African states adopt and enforce it well, it could save many lives. For me, it shows that belief is not needed for courage, laws, compassion, and reason can protect us all.