Breaking with Tradition

Tanzania’s efforts to abandon female genital mutilation and the practice of child marriage

According to the Girls Not Brides global campaign, Tanzania has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world, with 7% of girls being married before the age 15. In the Mara region, northern Tanzania, there is a 32% prevalence rate among women aged 15-49. FGM, child marriage, and teenage pregnancy are inextricably linked. Once a girl has been cut, she is viewed as being ready for marriage, and teen pregnancy follows.