Female genital mutilation (FGM) in Somaliland – why is change so slow?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure involving the alteration or excision of external female genitalia for no medical reason. Somaliland has among highest prevalence rates FGM globally. In this article we describe how Civil Society Organisation (CSO) ‘Network against in Somaliland’ (NAFIS) approached challenge to reduce high prevalence. From its start 2006, NAFIS developed a multifaceted program reach overall goal: elimination all forms Somaliland. Alone group CSOs network, introduced activities care and counselling women who suffer from consequences FGM. 2011 onwards, thousands have been relieved their FGM-related health complications participated sessions at project centres. Shortly after visit they invited participate community meetings share experiences with other also received counselling, members. The aim model work - combining dialogues. basically descriptive, using authors’ own observations encounters clients staff over eight years. We used findings three Master's theses on aspects process, small scale studies highlight people’s understanding, opinions context an on-going intervention. A lesson learnt that it helped open up communicative spaces dialogues where are shared understanding created harm caused by FGM, without habitual stigma shame. discuss process behavioural change theories. major during involve men project’s information activities. role nurses/midwives, being first meet complications, discussed need emphasised strengthen capacity category workers. One type gaining usage poorly sunna, risks which unclear.