Despite the immediate and long term health and physical complications associated with female genital cutting, the practice remains deeply entrenched into cultural and religious beliefs. Female genital cutting also contributes to disempowerment of girls and women. For these reasons, female genital cutting is considered a harmful practice against human rights.
To address the problem of FGC in Somaliland, NAFIS a national network working towards total abandonment of all forms of FGC, has prepared the third strategic plan with strategies and activities planned for the next five years. The strategic themes identified and the corresponding objectives and activities will guide NAFIS in attaining its vision and mission.
Over the past years despite the challenges faced, NAFIS has been able to make significant strides towards realizing total abandonment of female genital cutting in Somaliland. Latest impact assessment data has shown that there are changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices towards female genital cutting. Majority of men and women are now more aware than ever before about the negative health consequences of female genital cutting and why the practice is considered harmful. Men and women also are developing positive attitudes towards ending the practice of FGC, with many holding the belief that the practice can be stopped through efforts from civil society organizations, the government, healthcare providers and key stakeholders of influence in the society such as traditional leaders and religious leaders. There is a decrease in the number of women considering FGC as a practice done to fulfill religious and traditional beliefs. Though many are still practicing FGC, there is a transition from performing the severe form of FGC (Pharaonic) to the less severe form of FGC (Sunna without stitching).
NAFIS will mobile resources to ensure implementation of this strategic plan for the next five years. However, it’s worthy to mention that though preventing FGC can only be achieved by transforming attitudes which takes time, we need sustainable engagement from the government to have the anti-FGC bill and policy passed as this will deter the practice of FGC. This strategic plan offers a holist approach to ending FGC. It is our plan to establish a Somaliland where those affected by FGC are empowered and girls have a life free from FGC and all other forms of gender based violence.
Khadra Omer Hassan
NAFIS, Chairperson