According to UNICEF, at least 200 million women and girls globally have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) while 80 percent of these cases have occurred in Africa. The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation in Africa. 

FGM TO STEM is an initiative of Brands & Beyond Ltd in partnership with Under the Microscope (UTM) which  aims to rescue girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice, early marriages and teenage pregnancies.This program works with the community to propose  Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) and  introduces STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as a motivator for school going girls as it develops the life skills they need to thrive in the modern world. Such skills include, but are not limited to; critical thinking, creativity, innovativeness, and problem-solving. 

UTM as a partner  organizes school outreach programs in  regions where FGM is rampant, provide technical support such as trainers, and aid in drafting  policy documents to curb the spread of FGM with other stakeholders. Being an ongoing program, UTM’s  main activities include community advocacy and mentorship for  girls in these regions.

• Technical Workshop to Develop Roadmap for Presidential Acceleration Plan to Zero Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2022,  23-26 February 2020, Naivasha, Kenya
• Training on reproductive health and issuing of sanitary pads to girls in Samburu and Marsabit in partnership with Amref Health Africa & Heels4Pads 20th July 2020 to 4th August 2020
• Alternative Rite Passage (ARP) Ceremony 

A graduation ceremony for girls and boys that have gone through a one week training  and mentorship session on sexual reproduction, STEM and how to fight the FGM practices in the community. Italal Primary School Kajiado County August 26th - 30th, 2019

• FGM to STEM breakfast at Sarova Stanley Hotel Nairobi to bring stakeholders together on how to end FGM  28th November 2019