Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Uncut Truths: Somalia’s Struggle and Progress Against Female Genital Mutilation
By Mohamed Dhoore.
In Somalia, the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is more than just a health concern it is a cultural norm deeply embedded in society. With nearly 99% of Somali women and girls aged 15 to 49 having undergone some form of FGM, the issue is not just a health crisis but a deeply rooted cultural and human rights challenge. Recent legal milestones, however, show promising progress. Still, challenges remain. Understanding Somalia’s journey against FGM reveals a story of resilience, tradition, and hope, UNICEF says.
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
FGM in Somalia is largely upheld by social expectations, traditional beliefs, and a desire to preserve a girl’s “purity.” The practice is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood and a prerequisite for marriage. Perpetrated mainly by female elders, including mothers and grandmothers, FGM persists as a way of conforming to societal expectations, despite the physical and psychological trauma it causes.
The most common type of FGM practiced in Somalia is Type III, also known as infibulation, the most severe form. It involves the removal of the external genitalia and the sewing of the vaginal opening, often leading to chronic health issues such as infections, complications in childbirth, and even death.
Legal Progress in a Complex Landscape
Despite the staggering prevalence of FGM, there are signs of progress. Somalia’s federal constitution explicitly prohibits FGM, stating that “circumcision of girls is a cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture.” Additionally, Puntland and Somaliland, two semi-autonomous regions, have taken steps to address the issue through regional laws and campaigns.
However, the absence of a national law criminalizing FGM, coupled with limited law enforcement and community resistance, continues to hamper progress. Many communities still lack awareness about the legal and health implications of FGM, and fear of social ostracism prevents survivors and activists from speaking out.
A Movement Rooted in Education and Empowerment
Grassroots efforts led by Somali women, survivors, health workers, and youth activists have been vital in challenging FGM. Community education campaigns, youth programs, and engagement with religious leaders have begun to shift attitudes, emphasizing that FGM is not a religious obligation but a harmful practice with lasting consequences.
Organizations like UNICEF and UNFPA, in partnership with Somali civil society, have initiated programs to support survivors, train midwives and health professionals, and create safe spaces for dialogue. Their goal is not only to reduce FGM but to change the culture that sustains it.
The Role of Men and Boys
Increasingly, efforts to end FGM in Somalia have begun to include men and boys—an essential yet often overlooked group. By involving male community members in education and advocacy, campaigners aim to challenge the gender norms that perpetuate the practice. When fathers, brothers, and husbands understand the harm FGM causes, they can become powerful allies in the fight to end it.
A Future Unwritten
Somalia’s path toward eliminating FGM is neither linear nor easy. The weight of tradition, combined with political instability and lack of resources, makes the journey difficult. Yet the resilience of Somali women and the gradual shifts in community attitudes offer hope.
Eradicating FGM in Somalia will take more than laws it will require a cultural transformation grounded in education, empowerment, and empathy. It will demand courage from survivors, commitment from leaders, and compassion from communities. But change is possible, and the first chapters of that story are already being written.
