Every year, on 6 February, the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). It is a practice that affects millions of girls and women around the globe, causing both physical and psychological harm, and violating their basic human rights.
For almost two decades, Ebla Bilow, a 45-year-old woman from Ethiopia, was deeply involved in the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).
As a traditional cutter in her village, she relied heavily on the income she earned from performing the procedure on young girls. Ebla continued the practice, despite the physical and emotional damage it caused, driven by financial need and a lack of understanding of its consequences. With the help of Islamic Relief Ethiopia however, Ebla was able to see the light and transformed herself into a passionate advocate for the abolition of FGM/C.
“I was shocked”
Growing up in a small Ethiopian village where FGM was the norm, Ebla was subjected to the procedure herself, later becoming a cutter and following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She believed it was a religious obligation and rite of passage for girls in her community.
As Ebla matured however, she began to question the practice and its devastating impact on women’s health and well-being. Ebla had no formal education or other means of income, she felt trapped in a life of cutting girls an average of 20 times a year.
Her life changed when Islamic Relief Ethiopia came to her village with a mission to raise awareness and change attitudes towards FGM/C.
Through workshops, community conversation sessions, and alternative means of income creation, Ebla was able to see the damage she was causing and made the difficult decision to stop performing FGM/C. She learned that the practice was not only harmful, but also against the teachings of Islam:
“I used to believe that cutting was an essential part of a girl’s upbringing, but after attending a workshop organised by Islamic Relief, I realised that this practice was not only harmful but also against the teachings of Islam. I was shocked to learn about the negative impacts of FGM on the health and well-being of girls,”
A new beginning
Empowered with this knowledge, Ebla became an advocate for ending FGM/C in her community. Despite resistance from those who believed it was a traditional and religious practice, she continued to spread awareness and educate people about the dangers of FGM/C.
Her tireless efforts led to a decrease in the number of girls undergoing the procedure in her community.
The journey was not without its challenges. Ebla and her seven children had to leave behind their camels, goats, and cattle, fleeing to escape the stigma of being associated with FGM/C.
Despite the sacrifices, Ebla has no regrets. “I am proud to have broken the cycle of FGM/C and given the girls in my community a chance for a better future,” she says.
Ebla’s story is a powerful example of the transformative impact that education and awareness can have in ending harmful practices like FGM. She has taken a stand against this harmful practice, despite resistance from members of her community. She has become a beacon of hope and change for other women and girls. By continuing to support women like Ebla, and by raising awareness about the dangers of FGM/C, we can help to create a world where every girl is free from the pain and trauma of FGM/C and has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
As a leading faith-based organisation, Islamic Relief is committed to ending FGM/C and early marriage and to promoting gender equality. We believe in the right of every girl and woman to make decisions about her own body, to live free from violence, and to pursue her dreams and aspirations. Through our programs, we work to empower girls and women, raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and early marriage, and provide support and services to those affected.
Join us on International FGM Day to take a stand against FGM and early marriage, and to promote gender equality for all. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of girls and women like Ebla and create a world where every girl is free to choose her own path.
