Dear John,

We work alongside women who are speaking out against gender-based violence, sexual violence, and female genital mutilation (FGM)*. Sowda, a mother of three from Mandera County in Kenya, recently told us about her experience of FGM and we wanted to share it with you:

“I am happy to be alive today because I remember that day, I bled profusely and at some point[s] I even lost consciousness."

"...I suffered because no one could speak up for me back then but now I will work with my husband and my community to change this so that no girl should suffer like me."

We believe that gender equity is essential for health equity. The dominance of patriarchal norms impacts women's health, education and economic status.

This is why we work alongside communities and activists who are challenging practices that harm women, and creating spaces where the community can come together to talk. Learn more about this work and Sowda's story here. 

Yours sincerely,

Siaffa Bunduka
Supporter Engagement Manager

*Please note: We understand that the use of "Female Genital Mutilation" is a contested term. We use it, in this instance, as it is the term used by Sowda and other community members and activists in this context.