Today, 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and Day One of the 16 Days of Activism. Today we deliver a powerful story written by Soroptimist Asha Abulrahman, and an equally moving video - both of which paint a very real and alarming picture of the dangers and lifechanging effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on women and girls.
Soroptimist International is delighted to announce its first collaboration on The Road to Equality, the SI President’s Appeal, 2019-2021. Working with the highly influential Global Media Campaign to End FGM, SI Road to Equality is to support the Soroptimist Six, inspired and determined women activists making a difference in their own countries, to bring Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to an end.
Inspired by New York City's FGM task force, several grassroots organizations, community members, and an interfaith group partnered with government agencies to work together in advocating to end FGM and other harmful traditional practices in the Los Angeles area.
December is a month of miracles, when many families around the world celebrate together, share gifts and renew their faith through meaningful rituals that affirm beliefs. In many homes, this includes the preparations for a girl's 'fixing' or 'initiation' or 'getting her ready for marriage.
Female Genital Mutilation - FGM - is a global issue that continues to present challenges for Soroptimists when attempting to improve the lives of women and girls. Though a difficult subject to discuss, it is important that we face the ugly truth about FGM.
CIFORD Kenya, run by Margaret Ikiara, an SI Meru member, ran the Alternative Rite of Passage (ARP) seminars, aimed at teenagers under pressure from peers and the community to undergo FGM.