MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – In Somalia, almost every girl faces the blade. Reports estimate national prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) among women aged 15–49 in Somalia to be 99.2%.
The FGM is a deeply harmful traditional practice that victims and human rights groups say leaves physical and emotional scars for life.
Despite decades of awareness campaigns and advocacy, progress has been slow.
Only one federal member state – Galmudug – has enacted a law banning FGM in early 2024. Even there, enforcement is weak, and the practice continues behind closed doors.
For survivors, the memories are vivid and painful.