Youth Led Advocacy Session in Jijiga Strengthens Commitment to End FGM

On April 16, 2026, AfriYAN Ethiopia organized a youth led advocacy session in Jijiga focused on accelerating efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The event created an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment among young people, institutions, and community leaders.

Key highlights

• Date: April 16, 2026
• Location: Jijiga, Ethiopia
• Focus: Reduction and elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
• Participants: More than 40 young people and representatives from key institutions
• Approach: Dialogue, advocacy, and partnership building

Bringing stakeholders together

The advocacy session brought together representatives from the Regional Women and Social Affairs Bureau, Regional Health Bureau, EngenderHealth, Islamic religious leaders, cultural leaders, youth organizations, and young people from diverse backgrounds.

The gathering provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the continued impact of FGM and explore collaborative approaches to addressing the practice through awareness, community engagement, and youth leadership.

Youth voices driving change

More than 40 young women and men actively participated in the discussions, sharing perspectives and contributing to a collective understanding of the challenges and solutions surrounding FGM. Through open dialogue, participants built a shared consensus on the urgent need to eradicate harmful practices and protect the rights, health, and wellbeing of girls and young women.

Strengthening collective action

The session recognized the important progress already being made by government institutions, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. Participants emphasized that lasting change requires sustained collaboration, community ownership, and meaningful youth engagement.

AfriYAN Ethiopia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting future initiatives, advocacy efforts, and partnerships aimed at ending FGM and advancing gender equality.

Appreciation and commitment

AfriYAN Ethiopia extends sincere appreciation to the Regional Women and Social Affairs Bureau, the Regional Health Bureau, EngenderHealth, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and all participants for their collaboration and dedication. Their recognition of youth engagement as a key component of social change continues to strengthen collective efforts toward a future free from harmful practices.