At the age of thirteen, Rhobi Samwelly was forced to undergo female genital mutilation. The procedure nearly resulted in her death, a situation painfully common in Tanzania. Because of this, Rhobi vowed to make the elimination of FGM her life’s work.
Although the practice of female genital mutilation is illegal in Tanzania, many girls and young women are still forced to undergo this procedure. In the Mara region, gender-based violence remains problematic. Spousal abuse, child marriage and FGM are common practices, and only one-fifth of adult women have received any amount of secondary education. The incidence of FGM across Tanzania is about 15%, but it is 30–40% in the Mara region of the country, with 35% of all FGM done at the age of younger than one year. It is here that Rhobi Samwelly has chosen to provide safe refuge and a future to girls and young women fleeing female genital mutilation. One of these girls is Rosie.
Twelve-year-old Rosie had heard in her village about FGM. She had been to the days-long celebrations with singing and dancing, and heard the whispers of the older girls. She had seen the gifts of clothing and money given to the girls who had undergone it, but also the tears, school dropouts and child marriages that followed. Rosie had also learned at school that FGM was wrong and even a crime. Her mother, however, had already planned her cutting ceremony, deemed necessary in order to be respected in the community. When Rosie told her mother that she didn’t want to be cut, her mother replied that everyone in her family was cut, and that it had been her father’s last wish. Rosie knew that this tradition ran deep. Her mother was the village cutter! But Rosie was determined that this was not going to happen to her. When she realized that her cutting ceremony was imminent, Rosie went to her teacher, who sent her to a village official. The village official wasn’t very helpful and told Rosie to go home, but she returned to the teacher. After several more visits, this brave young girl convinced the village official to help her get to the Safe House. Rosie then secretly packed some clothing in her small green sack and went to school one morning, not to return home. It was frightening for Rosie to go to a strange place where she didn’t know anyone, and she felt very much alone. But she was welcomed at the Safe House and felt secure where Mama Rhobi gave her refuge. She was in a safe place with the promise of an education.
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Reconciliation between the girls and their families is an important aspect of the work done by Rhobi and her team. A reconciliatory visit to her family determined that Rosie should remain at the Safe House. Too many signals indicated that Rosie was in danger at home. Although she missed her family, she was happy to return to the Safe House. As she told her mother, “I don’t reject you, Mama. I reject the cutting.”
Being one of the main protagonists in the documentary In the Name of Your Daughter strengthened Rosie’s story. She and her friend and fellow Safe House girl Neema accompanied Rhobi to Copenhagen for the film premiere where her voice was heard, loud and clear. She spoke at five screenings and to school children, had the opportunity to meet the International Development Minister and had a tour of parliament with Neema. Rosie and Neema travelled to Dar es Salaam for a screening, where they had the opportunity to interact with government officials and diplomats. She also attended the African premiere at the Zanzibar International Film Festival, and, being a young anti-FGM campaigner, was interviewed by television, radio, and print media from across the continent. Rosie has learned a great deal more about FGM and her rights at the Safe House. She doesn’t want to be cut, married off to an older man, and not be permitted to stay in school. Her whole life would change, and not for the better. This feisty girl is determined to get an education and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. In the meantime, she has become an activist. When new girls arrive at the Safe House, Rosie befriends and advises them. She, too, was a girl who had to leave home. She projects confidence, helping them on their journey, and educating them on their rights. Rosie visits schools with her message of being brave and strong, and is convinced that young women can reach their goals, achieve their dreams, and make sure that FGM ends.
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Rosie’s community has undergone a transformation through her, and the work done by Rhobi. Rosie’s mother became a village activist, fighting to end FGM in the village. Sadly, she died in 2019 and Rosie was placed in the care of Mama Rhobi.
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As for Mama Rhobi, she sees Rosie as a community ambassador who will stand up to FGM. Rosie has found her voice, and uses it to empower other girls and young women, as well as herself, in the fight to end FGM for all.
Sources/Photography:
https://tanzania.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/FGM_FACTSHEET_24sept_highres.pdf
https://inthenameofyourdaughterfilm.com/
Giselle Portenier – personal collection
Rhobi Samwelly – personal collection
Janet Chapman – personal collection