Burtinle, Puntland –The Manaal Relief Foundation – MRF in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Development & Family Affairs (MoWDAFA) and the Burtinle Local Government, has successfully launched the first community dialogue and awareness session under the GIZ Coin-Fund Project, supported by German Cooperation.
This initiative is part of an 18-month community-based campaign that will reach over 3,200 people through awareness sessions, training workshops, and community-led advocacy campaigns. The program reflects a growing commitment to tackle deep-rooted cultural and social practices that affect women and girls, and to advance gender equality in Somalia.
The launch session brought together 40 participants — including parents, grandmothers, youth, and religious leaders — for open dialogue on the health, legal, and cultural consequences of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Discussions highlighted the urgent need to eliminate harmful practices and reinforced the zero-tolerance policy on FGM in Burtinle District.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Ahmed Abdirisaaq, Mayor of Burtinle District, alongside MoWDAFA Officials and the Chairperson of the Burtinle Women’s Union.
Why this matters:
• Builds knowledge to prevent FGM/GBV.
• Strengthens community leadership and advocacy.
• Empowers women, youth, and religious leaders to drive cultural change.
• Protects the dignity, rights, and safety of women and girls in Puntland.
This dialogue marks an important first step toward sustainable, community-driven action to end FGM and GBV across the Nugaal region.
Ministry of Women Development & Family AffairsGIZ,German International Cooperation
#StopFGM#EndGBV#WomenRights#NugaalInitiative#GERI#MRF#CommunityAction
