Orchid Project

Orchid Project claims that they aim to secure attention and resources to be invested in ending female genital cutting by engaging with actors and decision-makers at every level–from grassroots, through to regional, national, and international actors.^[11][12] They argue that significant investment is needed if FGC is to end.^[13]

Orchid Project claims to raise awareness of FGC. The journalist Bidisha has said, "The work of The Orchid Project has been invaluable in showing, with great clarity, the reasons, history and arguments surrounding female genital cutting. For anyone learning about this issue, The Orchid Project is the first and best place to go".^[14]

Orchid Project claims to partner with organisations that are working to end FGC through work that involves whole communities in ending the practice through a social norms led approach.^[15][16] Like UNICEF,^[17] Orchid Project believes that the best way to achieve this is through human rights-led education.^[18] They support this change through partnerships with organisations working at a grassroots level.^[19]

Julia Lalla-Maharajh states that: "Our vision is a world free from genital cutting, and we believe that’s possible within a generation".^[20] Orchid Project often cite similarities between how footbinding ended and FGC, and how the right conditions can motivate mass change.^[15][21] "As with footbinding, public declarations of abandonment are vital to solidify any commitment to ending FGC. When a group of people stand up and publicly declare that they will no longer practice FGC, they are held accountable by everyone" – Gerry Mackie.^[22]

Orchid Project have stated that FGC can end through the idea of "organised diffusion", where change is led by communities, and the process of dialogue between communities leads to social change.^[23][24]