In early June 2025, young changemakers from across East Africa gathered in Kampala, Uganda, to sit across the table from lawmakers and call for a binding regional law to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The engagement organized with support from The Girl Generation-ALM brought together members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), youth advocates, and civil society for a candid exchange on policy, power, and protection.
One Law, One Voice
For years, activists have raised alarm over how porous borders enable the continuation of FGM. The same child protected in one country may face violence just a few kilometres away, where legal protections end.
This is why a regional law matters. The proposed anti-FGM bill aims to harmonize legislation across East Africa, strengthen cooperation among states, and ensure survivors receive consistent protection, regardless of where they are.
Powerful Youth Advocacy in Action
Youth delegates presented a powerful memorandum with clear proposals, drawn from their experiences on the ground. Through the memorandum they tabled they offered solutions.
Youth Priorities and Proposals
Keegan Kagwe, Kenya underscored the need for stronger regional cooperation and safeguarding in the justice process:
- “Regional Economic Communities must adopt similar legislative frameworks to curb cross-border FGM. It’s a critical step in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and safety of girls across the region.”
- He called for the inclusion of a unified safeguarding protocol, noting that “without trauma-informed approaches, survivors risk being retraumatised by prosecution systems that vary by country.”
- He also referenced sobering data: “Over 44,000 African girls die each year due to FGM—not from disease, but from a practice wrongly justified as culture.”
Taifa Boke, Kenya pushed for stronger protections for survivors and equitable access to care:
- She advocated for explicit criminalisation of verbal abuse and stigma against survivors, stating: “Clause 11 protects those at risk, but survivors still face daily harm through words. This Bill must address that.”
- She also stressed the importance of free or subsidised psychosocial support, especially in remote and marginalised communities.
Elizabeth Abang, Uganda focused on bridging law and lived experience, and financing survivor support:
- “This engagement allowed EALA members from countries with low FGM visibility to hear first-hand what’s happening in the field. It gave a face to the issue—moving it from concept to reality.”
- She also called for a dedicated victim’s fund: “Proceeds from legal fines should support programs run by regional focal points to assist survivors. FGM is deeply underfunded and this is one way to change that.”
Rahma Mohmoud, Somaliland highlighted gaps and opportunities in protection, as well as the importance of faith clarity:
- She praised Clause 19, which allows courts to issue protection orders before FGM occurs: “It shows a shift from reactive justice to proactive protection—vital for girls in high-prevalence areas.”
- She advocated for inclusion of refugees, IDPs, and community whistleblowers, who are often left out of national frameworks but face real risks.
- On faith and religion, she made a powerful clarification: “It’s essential to affirm that FGM has no basis in Islam. Our religion emphasises protection and dignity. Harmful practices disguised as faith must be challenged for long-term change.”
Rabia Munna, Tanzania emphasised meaningful youth inclusion and stronger advocacy mechanisms:
- She highlighted the power of storytelling and digital advocacy in shifting norms and urged the creation of formal platforms for youth participation in law-making.
- “We need to keep advocating to fast-track the Bill. But more importantly, we must ensure the solutions are rooted in the voices and realities of the people affected.”
Together, these reflections anchored the memorandum and added urgency and direction to the legislative dialogue.
Bridging Policy and Lived Realities
EALA members responded with strong engagement calling for context-driven data and actionable frameworks that can be embraced by all Partner States. There was a shared understanding that laws alone aren’t enough, they must reflect community realities and have buy-in from those they serve.
The discussion affirmed a mutual goal: practical, enforceable, survivor-centred legislation that transcends borders.
What Happens Next?
As the anti-FGM bill progresses through the EALA process, sustained public awareness and advocacy will be key. Youth networks, community organizations, and regional actors are already mobilizing to prepare for national-level consultations.
The Girl Generation – ALM is proud to be part of this momentum, working alongside a generation that refuses to be sidelined.
“Let us not be remembered as the generation that looked away. Let this be the moment East Africa says with one voice: no more FGM.” – Youth Memorandum to EALA
