The anti-FGM activist

Farah Haji lives in Bur’ao, the second largest city in Somaliland.  She works for the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Families of Somaliland. The mother of three children (two boys and a girl), has been advocating for the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice since 2006.

She believes, the practice is against both the Islamic religion and human rights.  “What motivated me to stand firm against FGM practice is, the longing to see girls and women enjoy their basic human rights. I’ve seen many young girls and mothers who’ve had to live with the negative effects of the practice.”

Over 90 per cent or more of girls and women aged 15 to 49 in Somalia have been subjected to FGM, the majority between five and nine years old, this is based on the Somali Health and Demographic Survey of 2020.

Most people strongly believe that it’s an important pillar of their culture and religion. Campaigners like Farah have their work cut out for them to correct this misconception.

A relentless advocate against FGM practice, Farah believes, the practice is against both the Islamic religion and human rights

Farah ‘s day-to-day involves going round the makeshift settlements for the displaced in the city of Burao to create awareness on the practice of FGM. She is actively involved in trainings that focus on children and women rights.

Farah says they have created youth clubs in schools to promote ongoing discourse on FGM and these clubs are important conduits for disseminating key messages on FGM.

She reflects on how long her journey with FGM advocacy efforts has been. “I recall when I first started in 2006, the hostility from the community especially the elders… one day I went to a certain village in the region and as usual I had some awareness creation sessions. This old man got very hostile hurling insults at me, shouting ‘what are you talking about? You are coming here to talk to us about a part of your body, are you out of your mind? Don’t you have more important things to talk about?’ the old man went on.”

Farah tried to handle the situation, remaining calm and afterwards bringing it to the attention of a local Sheikh who went and talked with community members and elders.

“Those days people truly believed that anyone challenging their belief system on FGM was merely spreading ideas that were against both their culture and religion,” Farah reflects.

Then we also have mothers. “If you advise a mother to stop the FGM practice, she will tell you, “My daughter has to undergo this, the same way my parents did to me.”