Awareness and Advocacy

Advocacy plays a crucial role in AMNI's efforts to combat FGM/C. It involves influencing policy makers and the general public in Puntland to support AMNI's anti-FGM mission. At all levels, AMNI advocates for increased attention to ending FGM/C, believing that this can only be achieved through collaboration among grassroots activists, regional, national, and international decision makers. AMNI's advocacy is grounded in evidence, aiming to enhance the capabilities of individuals, organisations, and systems to effectively address FGM/C. This process involves fostering attitude change and facilitating the enactment, adoption, implementation, and monitoring of supportive policies.

AMNI Achievement

Achievements

In 2023, 990 FGM survivors participated in discussions regarding the effects and abandonment of FGM/C.

Since 2022, the AMNI network has achieved notable milestones in advocacy: Collaborated with the Puntland Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MOWDAFA) to draft the National Anti-FGM policy in 2021, with subsequent assistance in reviewing and summarizing it in 2023. AMNI translated the policy into Somali.

In 2022, 1,827 FGM survivors received information about the harmful effects and consequences of FGM/C through our support centers.

Conducted nationwide research on FGM/C prevalence, perceptions, and attitudes in all six regions of Puntland in 2022.

Assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young boys and girls aged 13 in schools regarding FGM/C in 2022.

Trained 35 local media outlets in the 'Media Fight Campaign against FGM/C,' empowering them to advocate the message voluntarily. Organized talk shows and debates for stakeholders to address FGM/C issues in Puntland. Additionally, produced regular IEC materials and posted weekly advocacy messages on social media to reach youth. Arranged dialogues and debates for prominent Religious Leaders under the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA). Produced 10 articles criminalising the Pharaonic type of FGM/C in Puntland.The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued a fatwa banning the practice.Developed an Anti-FGM/C Advocacy Strategy for the adoption of Anti-FGM/C policy and enactment of Anti-FGM/C law.

AMNI Advocacy

AMNI Advocacy Activities
Increase understanding and awareness of FGM and its consequences through education. Compile and analyse successful approaches and gather essential data across various communities and regionsConduct workshops to create a safe environment for women to discuss the complex emotions surrounding FGM. Assist young women facing the threat of FGM or gender-based violence in accessing necessary support services for their protection. Provide guidance and counselling for FGM survivors on issues like childbirth, reversal procedures, and reproductive health. Establish a Medical Support Center offering cost-free medication, gynaecological examinations, and counselling for women affected by FGM. Launch a media campaign to inform the public about FGM and related topics such as reproductive health, human rights, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Promote FGM awareness through educational workshops, fundraising events, and aid for victims. Raise awareness about FGM and encourage action through collaboration with visual artists, musicians, poets, singers, and writers.

AMNI Awareness

Advocacy is integral to AMNI‘s efforts in fighting FGM/C. It is what and how we do to influence FGM/C policy makers and the general public to support the anti-FGM course pursuit by AMNI in Puntland. AMNI advocate at every level for increased attention in ending FGM/C. We believe that FGM/C can only end with the help of actors, activists and decision makers at every level – from grassroots, to regional, national and international actors. Advocacy at AMNI is evidence-driven process of strengthening the abilities of individuals, organizations, and systems to perform core functions sustainably, and to continue to improve and develop over time through attitude change and enabling policy enactment, adoption, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.