We asked Aisha Roba, a survivor of FGM and founder of Every Girl’s Dream Community-Based Organization, to share her journey of how receiving a grant through The Girl Generation’s Africa-Led Movement Programme strengthened her work, her leadership, and her voice.
In this conversation, Aisha reflects on her motivations and how the grant made it possible for her to reach many more in her community, as well as what #MyPowerMyVoice2Lead means to her.
What first moved you to speak out and be part of the movement to end FGM?
Before joining the End FGM campaign, I actually supported this social norm. I believed it was an important part of our culture and identity, something to be proud of. But after experiencing severe complications during the birth of my first child, I realized how deeply harmful it was. I had to undergo an emergency Cesarean section because of the negative effects of FGM, and I almost lost my life.
That experience changed everything. I began talking to other women and discovered that many had faced similar or worse situations, but were too afraid to speak up. With the support of my husband, I registered Every Girl’s Dream and started raising awareness about the dangers of FGM. I do this work because I never want another woman or girl to go through what I went through.
As a survivor yourself, why do you think it matters that survivor leaders receive grants and resources?
It’s very important because survivors understand the physical and emotional pain of FGM in a way that no one else can. We speak from lived experience. When we are supported through grants and resources, we can reach more people, create safe spaces for survivors to share their stories, and lead efforts that respond directly to our communities’ realities.
Empowering survivors means empowering the movement. It ensures that the fight to end FGM is led by those who know the issue from the inside, and not as outsiders looking in.
Looking back, what are some of the things you’ve been able to do in your community because of this grant?
The grant helped me achieve a great deal. I was able to organize community dialogues and forums where people could speak openly about FGM, a topic that was once considered taboo. I engaged women, men, elders, and youth, helping them understand the harm caused by the practice.
Through these sessions, attitudes began to change. Mothers pledged to protect their daughters. Elders began attending our dialogues. Most importantly, we created a safe space where survivors could meet, support one another, and share their experiences without fear of judgment or shame. That space continues to grow today.
What new skills or knowledge have stayed with you and helped you grow the most?
I’ve learned how to communicate effectively with different groups -elders, youth, and religious leaders-and how to facilitate respectful conversations even around sensitive topics. I also gained a deeper understanding of human rights and the health implications of FGM, which made me more confident in my advocacy.
These skills have not only strengthened my leadership but also allowed me to build trust within my community and bring more people into the movement.
From your experience, why is it so important for grassroots organizations to lead their own change?
Grassroots organizations live within the communities they serve. We know the people, the language, the culture, and the traditions. That understanding allows us to approach change in a way that feels safe and respectful.
When change is led locally, it becomes real and lasting. People see it as their own transformation- not something being imposed from outside. That’s why it’s so important for community organizations to lead their own initiatives and for funders to trust us with that responsibility.
What does #MyPowerMyVoice2Lead mean to you?
To me, #MyPowerMyVoice2Lead means using my story and my strength to create change. It’s about courage, the courage to speak even when it’s difficult, to stand up for those who can’t yet speak for themselves, and to turn pain into purpose.
It reminds me that my voice has power, and that by leading with that voice, I can help shape a future where every girl and woman is safe, respected, and free from FGM.
