A Volunteer’s Perspective: Ending FGM in Somalia

As a community outreach volunteer, I’ve seen the devastating impact Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has on girls and women in Somalia. FGM is a deeply rooted cultural practice, but it causes immense physical and emotional harm. Many girls face life-threatening complications, long-term health issues, and deep emotional scars.

While the challenges are enormous, I’ve also witnessed the power of change within communities. Ending FGM requires more than just laws and policies; it demands education, awareness, and empowerment. Working with local women, religious leaders, and youth groups has shown me that when people understand the harm caused by FGM, attitudes begin to shift.

Our outreach focuses on:

• Education: We run workshops to inform families about the dangers of FGM and promote the rights of girls to live free from harm.
• Engaging Religious and Community Leaders: By partnering with trusted local leaders, we can challenge the myths that perpetuate this practice.
• Empowering Girls and Women: Through advocacy, we give women and girls the tools to stand up for their rights and make informed choices about their bodies.

We are making progress, but there is much more to do. Ending FGM in Somalia will take all of us—working together, one conversation at a time. By raising awareness, empowering communities, and promoting a cultural shift, we can protect future generations of girls from this harmful practice.

Let’s continue this fight for a future where every girl is safe, healthy, and free to reach her full potential. Together, we can end FGM in Somalia.