Caution: The following story contains graphic descriptions of FGM that some readers may find disturbing.


What is FGM? Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”[1] FGM is a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights.


Around the world, over 230 million girls and women have been cut. Africa accounts for the largest share of this total, with over 144 million. Asia follows with over 80 million, and a further 6 million are in the Middle East. Another 1-2 million are affected in small practicing communities and destination countries for migration in the rest of the world.


Eight years after escaping war in Somalia, Ifrah Ahmed returned to combat the "silent killer" of female genital mutilation (FGM). Somalia has the highest FGM rate globally, affecting 98% of women. Despite the dangers, Ahmed is determined to save lives, saying, "If I can save one girl's life, I will stay."


Ahmed’s journey from refugee to global activist inspired the film "A Girl From Mogadishu." She was cut at eight, raped at 13, and narrowly escaped child marriage and human trafficking. Landing in Ireland at 17, she launched a comprehensive approach that combined personal testimony, public advocacy, and legislative lobbying, which was instrumental in achieving the ban on FGM in Ireland in 2012.


"Somalia practices the most extreme form of FGM in which the clitoris and labia are removed, and the vaginal opening is sewn up, leaving a small hole for menstruation and urination.

Ahmed's grandmother called it "the three feminine sorrows"—the first is the cut, the second is the wedding night, and the third is childbirth.

Girls are cut in groups and remain for weeks in a hut with their legs bound together while the wounds heal.

Urination was agony, said Ahmed. One of the girls next to her died from an infection because she could not urinate.

FGM affects some 200 million girls and women globally, according to U.N. estimates. Nobody knows how many die from bleeding, infections or childbirth complications later in life."


In Somalia, as the prime minister's gender advisor, she mainstreamed the taboo topic of FGM. Her foundation, Ifrah Foundation, has been pivotal since 2013, and her efforts contributed to Somalia's 2016 FGM ban proposal. The death of a 10-year-old girl in 2018 marked a turning point, leading to Somalia's first FGM prosecution.


Ahmed's work has reached over 10,000 girls and women, educating them on the risks of FGM. She emphasizes the need for religious leaders to unify against FGM, saying, "We need them all to speak with one voice."


Returning to Somalia was not an easy decision for Ahmed. She faced numerous threats and challenges but remained undeterred. Her relentless activism has not only brought international attention to the plight of Somali girls but has also fostered local and global partnerships aimed at eradicating FGM. Through workshops, community outreach, and collaboration with local leaders, the Ifrah Foundation has significantly changed attitudes and practices surrounding FGM in Somalia.


Ahmed’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can make in the fight against deeply entrenched cultural practices. Her mission continues as she works tirelessly to ensure that future generations of Somali girls can grow up free from the threat of FGM.


You can make a difference in the lives of women. Here are 10 suggestions.

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about FGM and its impacts. Share this knowledge with friends, family, and your community to raise awareness.

2. Start Conversations: Break the silence by discussing FGM openly. Use social media, community meetings, or casual conversations to spread the message.

3. Support Survivors: Offer emotional and practical support to FGM survivors. Create a safe space for them to share their stories and seek help.

4. Engage Religious Leaders: Encourage local religious leaders to speak out against FGM. Their influence can change community perceptions and practices.

5. Advocate for Legal Change: Push for local laws that ban FGM. Write to local representatives, sign petitions, and join advocacy groups.

6. Partner with NGOs: Collaborate with non-governmental organizations working to end FGM. Volunteer your time or donate to support their initiatives.

7. Organize Community Workshops: Host educational workshops to inform your community about the dangers of FGM and the importance of abandoning the practice.

8. Promote Alternative Rites of Passage: Encourage and support alternative, non-harmful rites of passage for girls that celebrate their coming of age without FGM.

9. Use Media: Utilize local media outlets to broadcast stories and information about FGM. This can help normalize the conversation and spread awareness.

10. Empower Women and Girls: Provide education and resources to women and girls to help them understand their rights and protect themselves from FGM. Support their pursuit of education and independence.


By adopting these practical steps, anyone can contribute to ending FGM and creating a safer, more informed society.


Learn more about Ifrah Ahmed's story and her work at: https://ifrahfoundation.org/


Photo Credit: rawpixel.com / U.S. Agency for International Development