Somaliland’s Historic Leap: National Anti-FGM Policy Signed, Paving the Way for an more bold and consolidated efforts towards an FGM/C-Free Future

Somaliland recently took a monumental step in its efforts to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) by hosting a two-day High-Level Convention that brought together key voices from civil society, government, and international partners. The event, supported by The Girl Generation: Support to the Africa-Led Movement to End FGM/C (TGG-ALM) and ActionAid Somaliland, was focused on building momentum to encourage its government to sign the National Anti-FGM Policy.

The convention saw a diverse group of participants, including Anti-FGM/C advocates and champions from Somaliland’s NGOs and CSOs, leaders from Kenya’s parliament and Anti-FGM Board, and representatives from Ethiopia and Djibouti. But the real highlight was when Somaliland’s President, His Excellency Muse Bihi Abdi, authorized the long-awaited National Anti-FGM Policy, giving the nation a stand and backing efforts towards ending FGM/C

After 10 years of hard work and advocacy, the signing of this policy by the Minister for Employment, Social Affairs & Family, Hon. Ali Omar, is nothing short of historic. It officially lays the ground to protects girls and young women, empowering them to say NO to FGM with the policy on their side. It’s a powerful step towards safeguarding their futures and transforming societal attitudes.

The Girl Generation (TGG-ALM) played a role in supporting these efforts bringing this change to life. Just last year, a team from Somaliland travelled to Kenya, where they learned from Kenya’s pioneering End FGM/C CSOs Network. Those lessons proved invaluable in shaping Somaliland’s approach, directly leading to the push for this crucial policy change.

As the convention wrapped up, the signing of a High-Level Advocacy Communique cemented the shared commitment to ending FGM/C, not just in Somaliland, but across the region. Representatives from Kenya, Djibouti, and Somaliland reaffirmed their dedication to working together, recognizing that this is a collective fight that needs regional cooperation.

“This is a huge milestone for us,” said Muna Isse, Director of Gender at MESAF, reflecting on the event. “We’re finally moving from advocacy to real action in ending FGM/C in Somaliland.” Yahye Mohamed, Programme Manager for The Girl Generation in Somaliland, echoed that sentiment: “More girls and young women can now say no, and they have the policy to back them up.”

The road ahead is about turning this policy into real, tangible change for girls and women. With the continued support from all actors including TGG-ALM, ActionAid, and all the dedicated advocates and champions involved, Somaliland is poised to keep moving forward in its efforts to end FGM once and for all.

Read the press release here

Find the Somaliland FGM Anti FGM policy here