“Every Girls Dream” takes Efforts to Combat FGM During the December Holidays in Garbatula, Isiolo
Authorities and local activists in Garbatula Ward, Isiolo County, have intensified campaigns to curb an anticipated rise in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) during the December school holidays. Every Girl’s Dream, a community-based organization operating in the region, has been leading awareness caravans and barazas and using local community radio to highlight the health risks and legal consequences associated with the practice.
According to Asha Hussein Roba, the founder of Every Girl’s Dream, the December holiday period offers a “perfect window” for perpetrators to carry out FGM, a practice still deeply rooted in communities living in Boji, Duse, Malkadaka and Garbatula—areas targeted during recent sensitization caravans. She said the campaigns focused on locations considered high-risk, where support for the outlawed practice remains strong despite government bans and contrary religious teachings.
Asha added that the caravans created space for survivors to share their experiences publicly. Many of them, she said, are now being trained and engaged as anti-FGM champions within their communities.
Garbatula Senior Chief Mohamed Abdullahi said limited information flow continues to hinder enforcement efforts, noting that women are often directly involved in carrying out the practice despite ongoing interventions. He stressed the need for consistent reporting and stronger collaboration between residents and authorities.
Ali Kuno, a Garbatula resident, said community attitudes are slowly shifting, with more locals supporting the anti-FGM campaign. However, he warned that eradicating the practice will take time because it remains culturally entrenched and provides income for some traditional cutters.
Another resident, Diram Roba, welcomed the sensitization efforts and said those trained during the outreach activities are ready to serve as champions against FGM in the area.
