Friday February 14, 2025

A panel of activists, religious leaders, and survivors discuss the urgent need for Somalia to enact a national ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM event in Mogadishu, February 11, 2025. (Photo: Ifrah Foundation)

Mogadishu (HOL) — Calls for a national ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Somalia grew louder as survivors, activists, and government officials marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM with an impassioned plea for legislative action.

The Ifrah Foundation spearheaded the event, which was held on Sunday in Mogadishu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development (MoWFRD), UNICEF, and UNFPA. Participants, including religious leaders and medical professionals, condemned the practice as a violation of human rights and a severe public health crisis.

Somalia remains one of the few countries without a national law banning FGM despite having one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. Activists warn that without urgent legislative intervention, millions of Somali girls will continue to be subjected to the harmful procedure.

FGM survivors took center stage, recounting their painful experiences and lasting trauma. They spoke of excruciating pain, prolonged healing, and complications that have haunted them for life.

“We grew up believing that FGM was necessary for a girl’s dignity and marriage prospects,” one survivor said. “We were told that an uncircumcised girl would be rejected by society and even face divorce.”

Their testimonies revealed the brutal reality of FGM, often performed by traditional birth attendants (TBAs) without anesthesia, leaving young girls bedridden for months.

“It was excruciating. We had no anesthesia, bled for days without medical care, and were bedridden for over three months. Urination became unbearable. But we survived.”

Religious leaders at the event sought to dispel the long-held belief that FGM is rooted in Islam, asserting that the practice has no basis in the religion.

“FGM has no place in our religion. Islam forbids harming any human being at any stage of life. This practice must end,” one religious leader said.

Health professionals warned of the severe medical risks associated with FGM, including infections, prolonged labour, complications during childbirth, and lifelong psychological trauma.

Ifrah Ahmed (left), founder of Ifrah Foundation, poses with Somali Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi (center) and George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (right), during the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM event in Mogadishu, February 11, 2025. (Photo: Ifrah Foundation)

“Many women and girls suffer serious medical issues because of FGM. It is time we end this harmful practice for good,” a nurse said.

Activist Ifrah Ahmed, founder of the Ifrah Foundation, emphasized the need for immediate legal intervention, warning that efforts to curb FGM through awareness campaigns alone were insufficient.

“We need everyone to take action—parents, leaders, and policymakers,” she urged. “I encourage all of you to join this movement and stand up for Somali girls.”

Ahmed cited the success of the Dear Daughter Campaign, which has reached over 100,000 people who pledged to protect girls from FGM. However, she stressed that legal enforcement is critical.

“Legal action is critical. We must ensure girls are protected under the law, and those who continue this harmful practice are held accountable,” Ahmed added.

She called on the Ministry of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development and Somali lawmakers to push for a national ban.

Somali Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending FGM and urged swift legislative action.

“We have overwhelming evidence proving the devastating health effects of FGM. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to eliminating this harmful practice once and for all,” she said.

Cultural traditions, political resistance, and a lack of legal enforcement mechanisms have slowed progress, but activists argue that momentum is growing.

Somali Minister of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development Amb. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi addresses the audience at the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM event in Mogadishu, February 11, 2025. She urged lawmakers and civil society to unite in passing legislation to criminalize FGM in Somalia. (Photo: Ifrah Foundation)