Voices for Change: Gabiley Leads the Fight Against Harmful Practices
25th February 2024. The event in Gabiley aimed to foster dialogue, enhance advocacy efforts, and empower participants through collaboration between local government agencies, grassroots organizations, and activists. It highlighted the importance of education, youth leadership, and community involvement in eradicating these harmful practices, setting the stage for comprehensive training sessions and key discussions.
Introduction and Objectives:
Held at the Gabiley Youth Center, this leg of the Somaliland Innovations and Cultural Week Summit brought together various stakeholders to tackle the critical issues of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriage. The main objective was to raise awareness, promote dialogue, and advocate for eradication of these harmful practices in Gabiley. The event encouraged community members, particularly youth and women, to take an active role in advocating for positive change.
In the lead-up to the main event, a two-day training program was conducted at the Gabiley Youth Center. The training included lectures, discussions, and workshops to provide 80 participants (including activists, community leaders, and youth) with comprehensive knowledge about the social, legal, and health implications of FGM and early marriage. Participants were encouraged to develop local strategies to confront and eliminate these practices.
Main Event:
The main event in Gabiley, titled "Constructively Uplifting Societal Awareness on the Diverse Effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Early Marriage," unfolded with a rich agenda aimed at driving societal change.
Dr. Abdillahi Ismail, the Deputy Mayor of Gabiley, opened the discussions with a powerful address emphasizing the community's responsibility to abandon harmful practices like FGM and early marriage. His position as a local authority underscored the importance of leadership in fostering change. The event also saw the participation of key regional figures, such as Mr. Shaaban Hamud, the regional coordinator of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gabiley district, who emphasized the importance of engaging youth in the fight against these harmful practices. The Director of Social Affairs of the local government also attended, highlighting the significance of the event within the broader context of social welfare and community development initiatives. Their presence and active involvement demonstrated the commitment of local authorities to address the pressing issues of FGM and early marriage and promote positive change within Gabiley and beyond.
Also gracing the event, Ms. Nadifo Xoosh Isma'il, an esteemed expert in the field of female genital mutilation (FGM) and its detrimental impact on young women delivered a keynote speech highlighting the irreversible damage caused by the practice and her journey toward advocacy.
The event was further enriched by the presence of Ms. Ilhan Mohamed, a knowledgeable and experienced healthcare expert. With her expertise in the field, she shed light on the grave risks associated with female genital mutilation (FGM) for young women. Drawing upon her professional experience, she provided a comprehensive understanding of the physical and psychological consequences that girls and women may face as a result of undergoing FGM. Ms. Ilhan's insightful presentation emphasized the importance of protecting the health and well-being of young girls by discouraging the use of FGM.
Event Outcomes:
The event reinforced existing collaborations and partnerships among NGOs, government agencies, and grassroots organizations.
Discussions and training fostered deeper understanding of how to tackle FGM and early marriage in culturally sensitive and effective ways.
Empowered participants were motivated to lead community-based initiatives to eradicate these practices and advocate for human rights.
The event closed on a powerful note with community leaders and participants reaffirming their commitment to continue the dialogue and action required to eradicate FGM and early marriage. The deputy mayor’s concluding remarks called for unity and continued effort in safeguarding the rights and health of girls and women in the community.
The Gabiley event not only provided a platform for raising awareness but also galvanized community action through compelling narratives, expert discussions, and artistic expression. This multifaceted approach highlighted the complex interplay of cultural, health, and personal factors involved in addressing FGM and early marriage.