Abstract
Somalia has a widespread female genital mutilation problem, and the activists fighting for women and girls are at risk, writes
A group of Somali women discussing the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Baidoa, Somalia
CREDIT: Liba Taylor / Alamy
“SOMEONE CALLED ME on my local number and threatened me, saying, ‘If you don’t stop what you’re doing, you will be dead’,” activist Shamsa Hassan, who did not want to use her real name, told Index.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a deeply entrenched practice in Somalia, with some of the highest prevalence rates in the world. Sometimes known as “cutting” or “female circumcision”, the practice is carried out for non-medical reasons and has many harmful impacts.
According to Unicef, approximately 99% of women and girls over the age of 15 in Somalia have undergone some form of FGM, making it one of the countries most affected by this harmful practice. While there has not been a recent rise in reported cases, the practice remains pervasive due to cultural, social and religious factors.
Activists working to end FGM in Somalia demonstrate immense bravery in the face of entrenched cultural and social norms. They confront deeply rooted traditions, stigma and resistance from traditionalists who consider FGM as a requirement. These activists often face direct threats including violence, harassment and public shaming.
Hassan explained: “I have been an activist since 2016, but the unsafe environment in the country makes it difficult to openly discuss issues. When people see someone advocating for a cause or FGM, they often say, ‘This person is brainwashed, believes in something different’, and attack you.”
She said she avoided public spaces as she still got harassed, and she was worried about people sharing her personal information with those who could harm or threaten her.
Ifrah Ahmed is the founder and director of the Ifrah Foundation, which she established in 2010. The organisation has a goal to end FGM in Somalia, and Ahmed – who is Somali-Irish – has dedicated her time to addressing this issue.
“When I returned to the country from abroad, it was not easy to openly discuss FGM or harassment-related issues,” she told Index. “Many people accused me of being influenced by Western culture, saying things like, ‘You’ve been brainwashed; go back to where you came from’. Others claimed that my efforts were solely motivated by financial gain, saying, ‘You just want to make money out of this’.”
She launched the Dear Daughter campaign to raise awareness of FGM and combat the practice. Through it, she asked communities, families, religious leaders and midwives to commit to not cutting their daughters.
However, this work comes with significant challenges.
“I often face threats and insults on social media,” she said. “Some people accuse me of opposing religion, trying to change our culture or working on behalf of foreign interests.”
Asad Abukar, a human rights defender and FGM activist, told Index: “For the past 10 years, I have been working on human rights, gender-based violence and FGM issues in Somalia. As an FGM activist, I have faced numerous challenges from society. People often shame me, saying, ‘How can you, as a man, talk about FGM and women’s issues?’ Others question me, asking, ‘Don’t you have anything else to do?’”
According to Abukar, human rights activists face constant threats, from phone calls and direct confrontations to emails and social media messages.
He once received an email saying: “We know what your organisation does and the work you’re involved in. You need to stop what you’re doing.”
“Last year, I received a particularly serious threat over the phone that posed a significant danger to my life,” he said. “This incident forced me to change all my contact information and daily routines. Previously I would answer calls from unknown numbers, but due to the threats I no longer respond to them. The goal of these threats is to instill fear and discourage us from continuing our work.”
Abukar admits there are times he considers leaving the country, and that many of his colleagues have already done so because of the threats they’ve received.
Fatima Ismail has been an activist for about nine years, raising awareness about FGM. She has written a book examining the different types of FGM and their associated health complications.
“If you are an FGM activist, people often question you, asking, ‘Are you a survivor of FGM? Why are you talking about this issue?’” she said.
“When I first began activism, I started with a research study. I wanted to learn more about the different types of FGM so I visited one of the camps in Mogadishu. However, when I arrived, the people there didn’t understand my intentions and accused me of trying to kidnap their children. They stoned me and I had to run away to protect myself.”
Ultimately, she told Index, many people want her and other activists to stop their work. But despite the threats, they will not stop talking about FGM and fighting for the women and girls who are left traumatised by the practice.
Footnotes