Understanding and Ending Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia
February 6th marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Yet, Somalia has the highest prevalence of FGM in the world, with 99.2% of Somali women subjected to this practice.
The term “female genital mutilation” refers to “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (WHO). The European Union legally recognizes FGM as a form of persecution under international refugee law. If a person is at risk, they may qualify for refugee status under the EU Qualification Directive and the Geneva Refugee Convention (EUAA).
Baseline: FGM is a violation of human rights—a horrific manifestation of deep-rooted inequality that persists not only in Africa, but around the world.
Prevalence and Practices
There are four different types of FGM with varying levels of severity:
Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the clitoral hood
Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris plus the inner folds of skin surrounding the vagina (labia minora), with or without removal of the outer folds (labia majora)
Infibulation: cutting and repositioning the outer vaginal folds (labia minora and (labia majora) to narrow the vaginal opening by creating a covering
Other harmful procedures: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the clitoris or other genital areas (WHO)
Infibulation is the most severe type and, unfortunately, the most common. Clitoridectomy, typically considered the least severe, is on the rise despite still not being regarded as “clean enough,” often leading to ostracization of women who undergo it (EUAA).
Health Consequences
This practice creates lasting and often life-threatening health consequences for survivors, including death (WHO). The more severe the mutilation, the greater the complications.
Immediate complications include:
● severe pain
● excessive bleeding
● genital tissue swelling
● fever
● infection
● urinary problems
● shock
● death
Long-term complications include:
● urinary problems (painful urination, recurring infections)
● vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis, other infections)
● menstrual problems (painful periods, difficulty passing menstrual blood)
● scar tissue and keloid formation
● sexual problems (pain during intercourse, reduced satisfaction)
● increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult labor, heavy bleeding, C-section,infant resuscitation, and newborn death)
● psychological problems (depression, anxiety, PTSD, low self-esteem)
These numbers underscore how FGM contributes to already high maternal and child mortality rates.
Societal Support and Motives
If FGM is so harmful, why does it remain so prevalent in Somalia in the 21st century? The short answer: social stigma and religion.
The long answer: 76.4% of Somali women aged 15–49 believe FGM should continue (EUAA).
Within Somali society, FGM is seen as a normal part of raising a girl. It prepares her for marriage, promotes the ideal of premarital virginity, and is believed to ensure fidelity after marriage. Women who undergo FGM are viewed as more “clean” and “pure,” and therefore more desirable for marriage (WHO).
Furthermore, 72% of Somali women believe FGM is a religious requirement (FMGCRI). However, no organized religion prescribes it. Many religious leaders have actively denounced the practice and encouraged its abolition.
Survivor Advocacy
"We, as parents, brought this problem to our children. They are now suffering because we did not understand the repercussions. We had financial problems as we used all our money to treat our sick girls who were circumcised. Now I am very grateful for the information on the effects of FGM. We have also received more information on FGM on radios and from religious leaders. May Allah forgive us because this was a terrible thing we did to our girls, and we will not repeat this again.” – Khadra, mother of 5 daughters (Reliefweb)
Mothers and daughters are beginning to speak out, aided by social media and FGM awareness campaigns.
In early 2024, Shamsa Sharawe went viral on TikTok after cutting the petals off a rose with a razor blade and then stitching what remained to represent what had been done to her vulva at the age of six. She has since undergone reconstructive surgery (BBC).
“I was terrified of the idea of re-cutting, even though this time it was with my consent. But now I know how it feels to be a full woman… I am a very happy woman. I can wear underwear without discomfort or pain. I can wear trousers. I feel normal.” – Shamsa Sharawe, BBC interview
But “feeling normal” is a painfully low bar for any human life experience.
Legal Status and Change Efforts
So, what is being done to get us closer to true normalcy and dignity?
World Health Organization: In 2008, the World Health Assembly passed Resolution WHA61.16 calling for the elimination of FGM. Since then, the WHO has led a global strategy against medicalized FGM, working with partner organizations and supporting countries in implementation.
Religious Leaders: In November 2013, 18 religious leaders in Puntland signed a fatwa against FGM, witnessed by various ministers. In February 2018, the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Somaliland issued a fatwa banning infibulation (FGMCRI).
Government: In March 2014, the president of Puntland approved an official policy outlawing all forms of FGM. However, formal legislation has still not been passed (FGMCRI).
It’s Not Enough
Saying “I feel normal” cannot be our standard. Everyone must be involved in this conversation—including men.
Here are some frontline activists you can follow and support:
Josephine Kulea – Samburu Girls Foundation
Jeddy Lemarom – The Malkia Initiative
Natalie Robi – Msichana Empowerment Kuria
Education is our most crucial weapon against FGM. Talk about it. Share the stories.
Women’s rights are human rights. Every woman is worthy.
In this together,
The Every Woman is Worthy Team
Sources