CERĒ and Orchid Project Announce Their Partnership

CERĒ and Orchid Project are thrilled to announce their partnership.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence. It comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. 

On average, girls undergo FGM/C before the age of five, although this varies between different communities and can happen at any time from a girl’s birth to her adolescence. Girls often undergo FGM/C as a result of deep-rooted tradition among practicing communities. The practice is often a tradition that is passed down through generations, meaning that parents often unquestioningly have their daughters cut because the community expects it.

Over 4.3 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM/C annually, and UNICEF reports that over 230 million women and girls have undergone the practice worldwide. According to a new study, FGM is a leading cause of death in the countries where it is practiced, with over 44,000 women and girls dying each year. 

Orchid Project is a UK and Kenya based INGO catalyzing the movement to end FGM/C in the following ways:

• Undertaking research, generating evidence, and curating knowledge to better-equip those working to end FGM/C. 
• Facilitating capacity-strengthening of partners, through learning and knowledge-sharing, improving program designs and impacts for the movement to end FGM/C. 
• Influencing global and regional policies, actions and funding towards ending FGM/C.

CERĒ, founded by Dr. Amir Marashi, is the first sexual wellness company with tools developed by physicians. Throughout his career, Dr. Marashi has been fighting for sexual equality, understanding that sexual health is an integral part of overall health. He has also supported numerous survivors of female genital mutilation through his pro bono work. This passion for ending the practice, has led to this new partnership, with a portion of CERĒ’s proceeds being donated to Orchid Project’s work. Orchid Project would like to express their deep gratitude for this opportunity.

To find out more about Orchid Project and their work, follow this link.

To find out more about CERE’s work, follow this link.