I recommend this organization who help under developed countries by providing health care in many countries. They currently have a special program helping circumcised women in US and Africa who cannot afford health care.
As a survivor of female genital mutilation which happened when I was 6 years old, I can say with absolute confidence that the work done by CAGeM in New York City is critical to the city's success in preventing and prosecuting female genital mutilation in the five boroughs. My experience with CAGeM began during their last fundraiser, Restoring the Rose Walk-a-thon. I was looking for a way to get volunteer hours for community service. What I got in return was so much more than what I bargained for...I had the pleasure of working in the events department and helping plan the Fundraiser. After listening to other survivors like me, I became inspired to be more active in the organization. The passion, dedication, knowledge, and sensitivity of CAGeM staff really makes this organization stand out. Their impact cannot be overstated because they are giving survivors a unique opportunity of genital reconstructive surgery at no cost to the patient. I know that there is hope for the future with this kind of treatment and the success of their campaign to stop FGM.
My daughter was forcefully circumcised at 8 months of age against my will. She died just 3 months later at 11 months old. Her name and little face will forever be remembered. I do not not want my daughter to be forgotten by the world, especially since she died so young. Because of CAGeM that will happen. The money being raised by CAGeM is going to make a huge difference in the treatment of those suffering from complications of FGM and eventual eradication of this dangerous practice . My hope is that because of this group, no other parent will ever have to say "I lost my child to FGM"
My sister died at child birth due to complications from female genital mutilation in 2003. Since then I have tried to find a way to combat this horrible practice, so that no other family would have to go through what I have been through. I joined CAGeM and this year they are openning a hospital specifically to give free treatment and reconstructive surgery to victims of FGM. They are organizating a walk to raise awareness and money for shipping supplies to the hospital. Right here in Mali, I am also fundraising and am working with patients on the waiting list. Everyone is absolutely wonderful to work with, and they are so glad to be contributing to something that would help them and so many other women. The best part is that EVERY PENNY RAISED GOES STRAIGHT TO THE HOSPITAL. They are fully supported by volunteers and have no administrative costs. You can't get any better than that. Such a worthy cause and such a wonderful organization! Five stars!!
I have been a volunteer for CAGeM since 2008. The girls and women in the education and career training programs are so very proud of what they are learning. It gives them a sense of purpose and confidence that they can be self-reliant and can make it against all odds. This organization goes well beyond female genital mutilation. It goes to empower women and girls in all areas of their lives.
I have been a donor to CAGeM since 1999 and have watched as this organization has steady contributed to the eradication of female genital mutilation. However it is their dedication to treating survivors and providing access to health care that touches me the most. CAGeM ensured that women and girls in remote areas are transported to their health centers and receive free treatment. I have sponsored 18 women and girls and have their thank you cards on my wall. In 2007 I traveled to one of the villages CAGeM worked in and met one of the women I sponsored. It was one of the best days of my life seeing how grateful she was. I was also glad that her daughter was not circumcised due to the eradication of FGM in the community. It's little I know and I wish I could do more and I'm grateful for that experience.
I helped out at one CAGeM event. The dedication of the other volunteers is both outstanding and inspiring. What drew me to the organization is its dedication to the idea that small things can make a big difference, and that non-profits can run best by minimizing administrative costs and maximizing program effectiveness. That instead of that cup of coffee, you can help a woman get to a treatment center hundreds of miles away without her having to walk several hours under the heat with a baby on her back before the break of dawn! Makes a world of difference. Keep doing what you're doing CAGeM!
I had the chance to visit Guinea a few months ago and it is amazing the work CAGeM is doing to eradicate female genital mutilation. These campaigns are carried out by locals in villages. People nobody hears about but they are making life changing developments that are ensuring the reproductive health of their comunities. I have never seen women to dedicated to a cause.
I want to thank CAGeM for the clitoral reconstruction surgery. I was circumcised at 9 years old. Thank you very much for helping me.
I am in awe that female genital mutilation is still happening even in America. I thank CAGEM for their free June 16th conference that opened my eyes to the brutality these women face. I heard their voices and saw them live and I was crushed. I will support them anyway I can in their brave fight against female genital mutilation.
This past saturday June 16, I was lucky enough to attend Their Voice conference hosted by CAGeM at the New York Academy of Medicine. The conference aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation was outstanding and very emotional. Women who have survived the trauma while they were children, spoke openely about the experiences and I was deeply moved. I feel inspired to do something about this problem that I did not previously know about. I hope they could use my support.
I was opportuned to attend the Cagem organized event in February 2012 to mark the International day against Female Genital Mutilation. After listening to Miss Soraya Mire speak as a surving victim of the dastardly practice, and the brief interaction I had with the Director of Cagem, Miss Aberie Ikinko, I was indeed surprised at the extent of work that needs to be done in sensitizing the public on this inhumane practice. I am and will continue to be a part of the Cagem family, especially looking at what they are doing in Nigeria. Kudos to the Cagem team especially all the volunteers who are determined to join this campaign until this evil is greatly reduced and at best eliminated. Keep up the good work Cagem!!!
I'm amazed at the passion with which CAGEM operates. I have witnessed them fight to protect children at risk of being mutilated. These little girls have been protected from a traumatic experience that would have haunted them throughout their lives. CAGEM speaks for those who cannot afford to.
CAGeM is an outstanding organization. One hundred percent of the donations it receives are used towards female genital mutilation eradication programs and assisting victims. There are very few charities in the world that can make that claim. CAGeM is able to do this because it is 100% run by volunteers who have a passion for making a difference. When I decided to donate to a worthy cause I wanted every single dollar to go towards assisting victims and I could specify that. I didn't want it to be consumed in administrative costs and CAGeM delivered just that! They know how to keep their costs low and their impact high. I am very satisfied with what my donation was used for.
As a child welfare advocate, I have had the opportunity to work with this organization. The efficiency and passion they dedicate to rescuing little girls is exemplary of what an organization committed to improving lives and reducing suffering should be.
I admire the work of CAGeM and look forward to walking at their Walk-A-Thon come September! I am starting fundraising now!
I have done a lot of volunteer work throughout the years, but working with CAGeM has truly proven to be the most rewarding/wonderful experience I have ever had. This organization opened my eyes to such a horrendous practice that I was ill-informed about prior to joining forces with them. They have given me the tools to be a true advocate against FGM, and I am most grateful.
I donated to this organization in the beginning of May 2012. They have since provided me with ample amount of feed back on where my money has gone, and what has been accomplished! I look forward to staying up to date with this organization's successes as well as attending their conference in June in NYC!
I ran away from home when I was 11 after my older sister died from circumcision. I wandered with no food or shelter until I was rescued by CAGeM and taken to the safe house. I was given my basic needs and education until my village abandonned circumcision due to the work of CAGeM. That was over 10 years ago. I am now in University and engaged to a man who cares for me. If I was not rescued I would have been forced back home and married off at 13 like my sister. I know what my life would have been like if I was not rescued. The best way I can say thanks is by helping other girls that need help which I have been doing and will continue to do.
