By Goth Mohamed Goth
HARGEISA – A high-level roundtable discussion convened last night by the Network against Female Genital Mutilation in Somaliland (NAFIS) brought together key stakeholders to critically examine the persistent obstacles hindering the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Participants exchanged in-depth perspectives and put forward actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening multi-sectoral collaboration, scaling up community awareness, and reinforcing legal and social protections for women and girls.
Background on NAFIS
Established in late 2006 in Hargeisa, NAFIS is the leading umbrella organization and the only nationwide network of its kind in Somaliland, currently comprising 20 member organizations operating across all six regions of the country. The network’s core mission is to combat all forms of FGM/C through coordination, networking, policy advocacy, research, and documentation. NAFIS envisions a Somaliland where every girl and woman is safe, healthy, and lives free from FGM, and its work focuses on responding to FGM and other forms of violence against women while upholding the dignity and empowerment of girls and women.
The Scale of the Challenge
The urgency of the discussions is underscored by alarming statistics: the prevalence rate of FGM/C in Somaliland exceeds 99 percent. The practice has several dimensions and forms, including infibulation (Fircooni) and other forms known as “Sunni,” all of which carry severe immediate and long-term physical, psychological, and social consequences. NAFIS has established three support centers in Hargeisa, Borama, and Burao, alongside strong referral mechanisms within 21 Mother and Child Health centers and three general hospitals, to support women suffering from FGM complications. Despite these efforts, the practice remains deeply entrenched in cultural and religious beliefs, contributing to the ongoing disempowerment of girls and women.
Key Discussions and Recommendations
During the roundtable, participants analyzed the multifaceted challenges that have slowed progress, including the lack of a comprehensive legal framework, deeply rooted social norms, and insufficient coordination among stakeholders. Attendees stressed that ending FGM/C will not succeed without strong legislation and unwavering political commitment from the government. Practical proposals emerging from the dialogue included enhanced community engagement strategies, expanded survivor support services, and increased investment in awareness campaigns targeting religious and community leaders, parents, and young people.
Call for Urgent Legislative Action
A unified call was issued to the Somaliland Parliament, government agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to urgently enact a progressive anti-FGM law. This appeal aligns with NAFIS’s long-standing advocacy for the criminalization of female genital cutting, which the network has championed since its founding. The government’s own zero-tolerance policy further underscores the need for a national FGM ban to strengthen prevention efforts and align policy with practice. NAFIS has previously called on the government to “legislate for the rights of” women and girls under Article 36(2) of the Somaliland Constitution, and this latest roundtable reinforces that demand.
Acknowledgments
NAFIS extended its profound gratitude to all distinguished guests, panelists, women’s organizations, youth representatives, and every participant who contributed their valuable views and suggestions to the dialogue. The network reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a crucial resource for policymakers, government officials, and individuals dedicated to advancing gender equality in Somaliland.
A full recording of the discussion will be shared with the public in the coming days. NAFIS continues to strive for a Somaliland where all forms of violence against women and girls are eliminated, and where every girl can make decisions about her own sexual and reproductive health and well-being.
Home Somaliland Somaliland: NAFIS Roundtable Discusses Challenges in Ending FGM/C and GBV, Calls for...
