The Manaal Relief Foundation (MRF), in collaboration with GIZ (German International Cooperation) and the Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MoWDAFA), successfully conducted the fifth community conversation and awareness campaign in Burtinle District. This initiative forms part of an ongoing nationwide effort to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) across Puntland and Somalia.

FGM/C remains one of the most severe forms of violence against women and girls worldwide. It is estimated that 100 to 140 million women and girls globally have undergone some form of FGM/C, predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. In Somalia alone, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 3 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM each year. The practice is widespread, with prevalence rates estimated between 85–90%. The most severe form, Type III FGM (infibulation), can cause life-threatening complications including hemorrhage, infection, trauma, and long-term reproductive and psychological consequences.

This community engagement campaign is part of a broader series aimed at reaching over 400 community members across Puntland, focusing on eradicating all forms of GBV and ending FGM/C through grassroots advocacy, education, and community leadership.

The Burtinle session brought together 45 diverse participants representing various community sectors — including health professionals (notably midwives), religious and traditional elders, women’s groups, parents, and youth representatives. The dialogue emphasized open discussions, shared experiences, and collaborative planning to strengthen community commitment toward ending these harmful practices.

The session was officially opened by Mr. Avv. Ahmed Isse, Executive Director of MRF, who highlighted the event’s purpose: to deepen understanding of FGM/C and GBV, promote community advocacy, and strengthen collective action.
In his remarks, Mr. Avv. Yahye Bisinle, COIN Fund Project Manager for Puntland, expressed gratitude to the participants and urged them to extend the campaign’s message to their communities, emphasizing the need for unity in the fight against gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices.

The campaign’s key objectives included: –

–Enhancing understanding of FGM/C and GBV, their forms, and their social implications.

-Raising awareness about the severe health and psychological consequences of these practices.

–Building advocacy skills among community members to promote positive social change.

–Developing a localized action plan for harmonized community advocacy and long-term behavioral change.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Ifrah A. Farah, a renowned advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, who has been at the forefront of FGM and GBV prevention initiatives in Somalia. Her interactive facilitation encouraged participants to share personal experiences, reflect on cultural perceptions, and commit to actionable steps toward ending FGM and GBV within their communities.

This initiative demonstrates the continued partnership between MRF, GIZ, and MoWDAFA in fostering inclusive, community-led solutions to end violence against women and girls and to promote equality, dignity, and human rights for all.

Fundedby:
GIZ – German International Cooperation

Implementedby:
Manaal Relief Foundation (MRF) – Somalia

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