Presentation: Wadi’s work to combat FGM in Iraqi-Kurdistan and other countries in the Middle East

Wadi member Isis Elgibali gave this presentation to a conference of UNFPA/UNICEF about our activities to combat FGM both in Iraqi-Kurdistan, Iraq and other countries in the Middle East.

Wadi was recently able to share highlights of the 20 year journey of their work on FGM in Northern Iraq and the Middle east with 12th Annual Technical Consultation (ATC) of the Global UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM:

There has been and continues to be a stong association with FGM as an ‘African Problem’ and that’s just not true, FGM is really a global problem, and Wadi talked about the struggle of bringing attention to FGM in Northern Iraq the Middle East and Western Asia. Wadi was able to talk about the importance of supporting activists and researchers especially in areas where FGM is suspected but not yet confirmed with hard evidence. in Wadi’s experience breaking the taboo around FGM in Kurdistan was a key entry point in brining about energy and momentum that also allowed us to have a strong impact on other harmful practices such as forced marriage, and domestic violence and other forms of gender based violence of which FGM is but one expression. Wadi also asked for continued support from the global community, by amplifying voices, lobbying for legal changes, and of course financial support for research and campaigns to end the practice.

Wadi was also recently able to strengthen ties with organisations working in Europe to end FGM in diaspora communities through the End FGM European Network. As Wadi continues to highlight the need to understand FGM as a global issues, and push for more awareness of the practice in Middle Eastern and Western Asian communities in the EU, building networks, sharing experiences and good practices is invaluable.

Wadi was also happy to share the news that after 15 years of intense campaigning the Halbja area was declared FGM free in 2021. Our vision for the future is a renewed call to action for more research and support to help pass a law that would ban the practice in all of Iraq.