Description
Dr. Shu’aib Abdelqader has
undergone a profound transformation, moving from a supporter and practitioner
of female genital mutilation (FGM) to a committed activist against it.
Previously performing FGM as a medical professional, his perspective changed
entirely after a personal tragedy: the death of his eight-year-old sister due
to severe bleeding following the procedure made him fully aware of the harm
inflicted on girls by this practice.
Today, Dr. Abdelqader works
with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the “He for She”
campaign to raise awareness among local communities in Somalia about the
dangers of FGM, emphasizing the role of men and boys in standing against this
harmful practice.
At the “Rabi Yasir”
camp for internally displaced persons near Mogadishu, Dr. Abdelqader combines
providing basic medical services for women with distributing educational materials.
He stresses that men bear responsibility in protecting their daughters from the
suffering caused by FGM, and that continuous community engagement and awareness
are key to ending this practice and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for
every girl.
Today, Dr. Abdelqader is seen
as a symbol of social transformation, committed to eradicating all forms of
female genital mutilation, and emphasizing that change begins when the entire
community recognizes the importance of protecting girls’ rights and health.
Source of the photo: © UNFPA/ROAS/Aisha Zubair:
To end FGM : Arab boys and men speak out
