A big group of 130 girls who escaped from their homes to avoid being subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) have refused to return, citing fear of further abuse from their parents, relatives and guardians.

Valerian Mgani, the Association for the Termination of Female Genital Mutilation (ATFGM) project manager, said here on Thursday that the girls are currently being sheltered at the -Massanga Centre in Tarime District, Mara Region.

They sought refuge at the centre to escape plans for carrying out FGM into which they were being forced by parents or guardians, he stated.

“The girls fled after being coerced to undergo the painful and dangerous procedure. While the circumcision season has now ended, the girls remain reluctant to go back home, fearing being subjected to gender-based violence or forced marriages,” he explained.

His remarks were made at an event to receive aid from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who provided resources to support the girls’ protection and welfare.

Going back home is likely to lead to further violence, including being married off at a young age, he said, underlining that to fight rising cases of FGM there is need for strong laws and government commitment.

Measures are being taken to oppose FGM by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) while the government facilitates public education on the matter, but strict legislation against the vice is still needed, he said.

Edward Gowele, the district commissioner, instructed the district’s social welfare department to actively engage in programmes aimed at supporting the girls while the government takes necessary actions to safeguard their future.

“The government will take legal action against any parents or guardians who deny their daughters an education and instead force them into early marriages for material gain,” he cautioned.

He also urged the local community to abandon harmful traditions that violate the rights of young girls and women, directing the police to investigate individuals who continue to practice FGM.

He especially sought action on those who attempt to bypass the law “by carrying out the procedure under the cover of darkness and disguising girls as boys.”

As schools reopen this month, the district authorities intend to liaise with village leaders to conduct a comprehensive operation to ensure that all pupils who qualify for secondary education report to school as required.