Updated to reflect developments through 2025
By InspireHer: A Global Women’s Health Initiative
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains one of the most severe and enduring violations of girls’ and women’s health worldwide. Despite decades of global advocacy, the practice continues to cause irreversible physical, psychological, and pelvic health consequences—often beginning in early childhood.
As previously discussed in InspireHer publications, FGM is not a cultural abstraction. It is a global health and human rights crisis with lifelong implications for pelvic health, childbirth outcomes, and overall well-being.
Since this article was first written in 2023, important legal developments have occurred in Somalia, alongside continued evidence that legislation alone is not enough without enforcement, education, and systems change.
The Scope of the Crisis
According to UNICEF, an estimated 98% of women and girls in Somalia between the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone some form of FGM, with many procedures occurring before the age of nine (UNICEF, 2013). Somalia continues to report one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM globally.
The health consequences of FGM include:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Extensive scar tissue and mobility restrictions
- Sexual dysfunction
- Increased obstetric complications
- Psychological trauma
Survivors often present years later within healthcare systems, carrying the long-term effects of a practice rooted in gender-based violence, social control, and lack of legal protection.
The Case That Sparked Renewed Global Attention
In 2018, Deeqa Dahir Nuur, a 10-year-old girl living in a remote area of Somalia, underwent the most severe form of FGM, involving the removal of the labia and clitoris.
During the procedure, an artery was lacerated, resulting in severe bleeding. She was taken home following the ritual, as her family hoped the bleeding would resolve. Deeqa died two days later in a local hospital due to complications from tetanus.
Public awareness of her death emerged when a family member shared the story on social media, igniting widespread outrage both within Somalia and internationally (Adebayo, 2018).
At the time, Somalia had no national law explicitly banning FGM, and no arrests were made in connection with her death. The case highlighted critical legal and healthcare gaps—raising urgent questions about accountability and protection for girls subjected to the practice.
Legislative Developments Since 2023
Since the original publication of this article, Somalia has taken notable—though still incomplete—steps toward legal reform.
In 2024, the Somali federal member state of Galmudug passed the country’s first comprehensive regional law banning all forms of FGM, setting an important precedent for sub-national legal protection (UN News, 2024).
More significantly, in November 2025, Somalia’s Cabinet unanimously approved a draft national bill to prohibit female genital mutilation across the country—a historic milestone long advocated for by women’s health and human rights organizations (Horn Observer, 2025).
Somalia’s constitution already identifies FGM as a “cruel and degrading customary practice,” but until this draft legislation, no enforceable national law existed to criminalize the practice or hold perpetrators accountable.
While this draft law represents meaningful progress, it has not yet been fully enacted or consistently enforced nationwide. Cultural norms, regional variation, and limited healthcare infrastructure continue to pose barriers to eradication.
Why This Matters to Healthcare Providers
For clinicians, educators, and pelvic health professionals, FGM is not solely a legal or cultural issue—it is a lifelong health condition that requires trauma-informed, skilled care.
Healthcare providers play a critical role in:
- Recognizing and treating long-term pelvic health consequences
- Providing trauma-informed physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Supporting survivors through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery
- Advocating for prevention, education, and policy enforcement
Legislation is a necessary foundation—but healing, prevention, and protection depend on coordinated action across healthcare, education, and community partnership.
Moving Forward: Progress Without Complacency
The death of Deeqa Dahir Nuur was not an isolated tragedy—it was a reflection of systemic failure. While Somalia’s recent legislative actions signal progress, laws alone will not end FGM.
Sustained change requires:
- Enforcement of national and regional laws
- Provider education and capacity building
- Community-led advocacy and cultural dialogue
- Global health engagement focused on prevention and survivor care
At InspireHer, we believe women’s health equity extends beyond borders. Advancing pelvic and women’s health globally means supporting both policy change and provider-led care that protects bodily autonomy and restores dignity.
References (Original + Updated)
Adebayo, B. (2018, July 26). Somalia to pursue first FGM prosecution after 10-year-old girl dies.
Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/26/africa/somali-prosecutes-young-girl-fgm-death/index.html
Goldberg, E. (2015, August 05). Somalia, Where 95% Of Girls Undergo Female Genital Mutilation, May Soon Ban Practice.
Retrieved from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/somalia-may-soon-ban-female-genital-mutilation_us_55bfaf59e4b06363d5a2e560
UNICEF. (2013, December). Somalia: Statistical Country Profile on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
Retrieved from https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/country_profiles/Somalia/FGMC_SOM.pdf
New references added for updated context:
UN News. (2024). Somalia’s Galmudug state passes law banning female genital mutilation.
Retrieved from https://news.un.org
Horn Observer. (2025). Somalia Cabinet approves bill prohibiting female genital mutilation.
Retrieved from https://hornobserver.com
