‘The new generation is different’: In Djibouti, activists lobby to end female genital mutilation
February 5, 2025
Djibouti City, Djibouti – In a small, nondescript office in the heart of Djibouti City, a group of young activists are working tirelessly to end a harmful tradition that has plagued their country for centuries: female genital mutilation (FGM).
FGM is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. It is often performed on young girls between the ages of 5 and 10, and can have devastating physical and psychological consequences. In Djibouti, an estimated 98% of women have undergone FGM.
The activists behind the movement to end FGM in Djibouti are part of a new generation of Djiboutians who are determined to break with the past. They are educated, outspoken, and passionate about social justice.
“The new generation is different,” said Amina Ali, a 25-year-old activist who works with the organization Girl Generation. “We are not afraid to speak out against harmful practices like FGM. We want to create a better future for our sisters and daughters.”
The activists are using a variety of strategies to raise awareness about FGM and its harmful effects. They organize workshops and trainings for community leaders, teachers, and parents. They also work with the media to amplify their message.
“We are trying to change the way people think about FGM,” said Fatima Osman, another activist with Girl Generation. “We want people to understand that it is a harmful practice that has no place in our society.”
The activists’ work is slowly beginning to bear fruit. In 2023, the Djiboutian government passed a law criminalizing FGM. However, the law has yet to be fully implemented, and FGM continues to be practiced in many parts of the country.
The activists are undeterred. They know that it will take time to change attitudes and behaviors, but they are determined to end FGM in Djibouti once and for all.
“We are the future of Djibouti,” said Amina. “And we will not rest until FGM is a thing of the past.”
Additional information:
- FGM is a violation of human rights and is recognized as a form of gender-based violence.
- The World Health Organization estimates that more than 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone FGM.
- FGM can cause a range of health problems, including pain, bleeding, infection, infertility, and childbirth complications.
- FGM is often performed without the consent of the girl or woman involved.
‘The new generation is different’: In Djibouti, activists lobby to end female genital mutilation
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