On March 10, 2025, Hawa Feminist Coalition and Y-PEER Somalia jointly organized a powerful commemoration event for International Women’s Day in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia. Held at the Y-PEER Conference Hall, the event focused on the theme “Lean in Girls, Accelerate Action, Challenge Harmful Traditional Practices (FGM & Early Marriage).”
The primary objective of the event was to address the pervasive practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), which continues to affect nearly the entire female population of Somalia. Despite progress in some regions, particularly in Puntland—where there has been an ongoing effort to ban FGM through a recently drafted Total Ban of FGM Bill—the practice remains deeply rooted in Somali culture and carries alarming health consequences for girls and young women.
The event brought together approximately 100 adolescent and young boys and girls from secondary schools, universities, and out-of-school youth. These young participants engaged in crucial discussions aimed at fostering awareness and encouraging grassroots activism to challenge harmful traditional practices.
Opening Remarks
The event began with opening remarks from government representatives, civil society leaders, and senior officers from Hawa Feminist Coalition and Y-PEER Somalia. Speakers highlighted the prevalence of FGM in Somalia, where an estimated 99% of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone the practice. While there have been strides toward policy reform in Puntland, sustained efforts are necessary to ensure that laws banning FGM are fully implemented and upheld by the government and society at large.
Panel Discussion: Lean in Girls – Breaking Barriers
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion, which explored ways to dismantle barriers that perpetuate gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices.
The panel featured the following distinguished speakers:
- Mariam Mohamed Hussein – Executive Director of Hawa Feminist Coalition
- Naima Muse Elmi – Secretariat of Media Association of Puntland (MAP)
- Guled Ahmed Yusuf – Country Director of VNG
The panelists addressed key issues, including:
- The devastating impact of FGM and early marriage on young girls in Somalia.
- The role of the media in challenging harmful traditional practices.
- Community-led strategies to accelerate action toward gender equality.
Key Action Points
The event concluded with a set of strategic action points aimed at accelerating the movement toward eliminating FGM and early marriage in Somalia:
- Strengthen Youth-Led Advocacy: Increase grassroots activism, particularly among youth, to challenge and eradicate FGM at the local level. Many rural and displaced communities continue to practice FGM at a prevalent rate, often under the misconception that it is a religious obligation. Addressing these beliefs through education and awareness is essential.
- Leverage Media for Public Awareness: Enhance the role of media in shifting social norms, raising awareness about the dangers of FGM, and encouraging communities to abandon the practice.
- Push for Legislative Action: Intensify civil society advocacy for the Total Ban of FGM Bill in Puntland. Coordinated lobbying efforts must be directed toward the Puntland Parliament to pass the bill and ensure its implementation, thereby protecting future generations of girls from this harmful practice.
The success of this event underscores the importance of collective action in the fight against harmful traditional practices. By empowering youth, leveraging media influence, and advocating for stronger legislative frameworks, Somalia can take significant steps toward ensuring the rights and well-being of its girls and young women.
Hawa Feminist Coalition and Y-PEER Somalia remain committed to continuing their advocacy efforts, working alongside communities, policymakers, and the media to create a future where FGM and early marriage are no longer a threat to the lives and dignity of Somali girls.
