When 13-year-old Amina* arrived at the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) in Kahda district, she was in a critical condition. Displaced by ongoing conflict in Lower Shabelle, Amina had endured Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in her remote village of Qoryoley. The procedure left her with severe complications—excessive bleeding, infection, and unrelenting pain. Without access to medical care, her condition rapidly deteriorated.
Amina’s ordeal began when she was just 8 years old. Forced to undergo FGM, she suffered excruciating pain and bled for days, eventually losing consciousness. Since that day, she endured chronic pain, particularly while urinating.
“When I first came here to the safe space, I thought there was no hope for me,” Amina* shared, her voice filled with emotion. “The pain was unbearable, and I was scared I wouldn’t survive.”
Thanks to the medical outreach program supported by UNFPA and KOICA, Amina’s life took a turn for the better. The trained healthcare team at the Women and Girls Safe Space in Kahda, Mogadishu, immediately attended to her, stopping the bleeding, managing her pain, and treating the infection. Additionally, transportation support ensured Amina and her mother could reach the health facility without financial burden.
“I am so grateful to the team here,” Amina’s mother said. “They saved my daughter’s life. I don’t know what we would have done without their help. Seeing her suffer was unbearable, and I have vowed never to let any of my other daughters undergo the cut. This practice must end.”
Amina’s story is sadly common in Somalia. Globally, the statistics are staggering; an estimated 230 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM, a human rights violation that involves the removal or injury of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Somalia has the highest prevalence of FGM in the world, with 98 per cent of girls aged 5-11 undergoing type 111 infibulation, the most severe form. The practice has devastating consequences, including chronic pain, infections, depression, birth complications, sexual health problems, infertility and even death.
Several factors perpetuate this harmful practice, including religious misconceptions, cultural norms, fear of ostracism, and limited awareness of its dangers. Many Somalis believe FGM is a religious requirement, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Often, women who have undergone FGM advocate continuing the tradition
“Many families don’t realize the harm caused by FGM,” said Ekhlas, a nurse at the WGSS. “It’s not just a physical violation; it affects every aspect of a girl’s life. Our goal is not only to provide medical care but to educate communities on why this practice must end.”
Through awareness campaigns, Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL) is actively engaging communities to highlight the dangers of FGM and advocate for its abandonment. Our efforts are fostering conversations and creating hope for a future where girls can thrive without fear of such harmful practices.
For Amina, the support she received at the WGSS was transformative. With her health restored, she has returned to school in the IDP camp.
“I feel strong and healthy again,” Amina said, her face lighting up with a smile. “Now I can dream about the future.”
Her mother added, “Seeing her laugh and play again gives me so much joy. I am forever grateful for the help we received.”
*name changed to protect identity*
