In a historic display of unity and resolve, faith leaders from across Africa convened at the Regional Interfaith Conference in Nairobi to declare their steadfast commitment to ending female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. This landmark gathering also marked the launch of Seeds of Change: Uniting Faith Communities to Protect Girls’ Rights—a groundbreaking toolkit designed to empower religious leaders to drive transformative change within their communities.
A Call to Conscience and Compassion Rooted in shared spiritual values and theological principles, the Seeds of Change toolkit equips pastors, imams, priests, and other faith leaders with the knowledge and resources needed to challenge harmful practices that undermine the dignity and rights of girls. More than just a manual, it serves as a call to action, a guide for healing, and a beacon of hope.
Inside the Toolkit The toolkit includes conversation tools and teaching aids to foster open, respectful dialogue and faith-based information sheets from both Christian and Muslim perspectives. In addition modules tailored for men, women, and youth, ensure inclusive community engagement. Support strategies for survivors, along with guidance for advocacy, education, and grassroots mobilization offer useful tools for the faith communities. One chapter features real-world case studies from Ethiopia, The Gambia, Mali, Somalia, and Uganda, highlighting shared values and actionable principles that have led to meaningful change.
A Shared Spiritual Mission The message from faith leaders was clear: ending FGM and child marriage is not only a social necessity but also a deeply spiritual obligation. They emphasized a powerful truth—no tradition or religious belief can justify practices that harm our daughters.
A Collective Commitment At the close of the two-day conference, clergy and laypeople, elders and youth, men and women, pledged to plant seeds of change—seeds that will grow into healthier families, stronger communities, and a more just society. The gathering concluded with a shared prayer and a solemn promise: to strengthen collaborative efforts so that a new generation of girls may grow up educated, respected, and empowered to fulfill their God-given potential.
Seeds of Change: Uniting Faith Communities to Protect Girls’ Right (1082 downloads )