Worldwide, 200 million women haver undergone Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), equating to more than 1 in 20 women. FGM is driven by cultural beliefs such as the alleged control of sexual desire and marital fidelity (Source: Stanford University). In some societies, the value of girls is closely tied to the tradition of FGM. Sadly in certain communities, the education of girls is seen as irrelevant after the ritual.
Globally FGM is relevant in 28 African countries, in spite of 16 of them having declared it illegal.
We had the chance to meet Jaha Mapenzi Dukureh in Bogota for the 9th edition of One Young World last October. Named as 1 of the 100 the most influential Africans and to the Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world in the “leaders’ list”, Jaha fights for the end of female genital mutilation with Safe Hands For Girls. Having herself undergone the practice of mutilation, Jaha is leading the movement to eliminate FGM. Alongside women’s organizations and civil society, Jaha contributed to the Gambian Government announcing a ban on FGM through youth mobilization and campaigning in Gambia.
4 min video will let you discover, its life, its fight, its impact, and its message: “Continue kicking ass! Women are powerful, and no one can change them! “
