For more than 20 years, WADI has led efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kurdistan, partnering with communities to challenge this deeply rooted form of gender-based violence.
By Bakhan Jamal, 27.07.2025
(Picture: Meeting with village women in German, Source: Wadi)
What began in 2004 as a modest awareness campaign in remote villages has grown into a comprehensive, regionally sensitive initiative. Today, our work not only addresses FGM directly but also supports women in healing from its physical and psychological consequences. Over time, it has expanded into a broader platform, tackling women’s health, emotional trauma, legal rights, domestic violence, sexuality, and other pressing social issues.
To respond to these evolving needs, we now operate through two complementary programs: the “Combating FGM” initiative, focused on prevention and awareness, and the “Living with FGM” program, which offers care and support to those already affected.
In 2025 the fight against FGM unfolds differently across Garmyan, Ranya, and Erbil. Each region presents unique challenges, levels of progress, and shifting community attitudes. These distinctions have inspired WADI’s teams to tailor their interventions according to each area’s specific social dynamics and needs. This unique approach has always been part of our approach, to meet communities on their footing, and to train our all women teams to be able to provide such specific support.
Medical Support as a Bridge to Awareness
Across all three regions, one clear need connects every woman’s story: access to healthcare. Many have never seen a gynecologist or sought treatment for complications due to shame, stigma, or lack of access. Providing medical services is not only life-saving, it creates space for healing and education.
Health-based conversations allow WADI’s team to address sensitive subjects like FGM, sexuality, and consent with greater success. As women feel safe, respected, and listened to, they are more willing to speak out, reconsider long-held beliefs, and support one another in the journey toward bodily autonomy and dignity.
This combination of medical care and community awareness has become the foundation of our updated strategy responding to local realities while staying focused on long-term, sustainable change.
Garmyan: From Awareness to Healing
Garmyan was one of the first regions where WADI began working on FGM 21 years ago, and it has seen the most significant progress. When the program started, the majority of women (about 72.2 %) were affected by the practice. However, sustained outreach, dialogue, and community engagement have led to a widespread change in perception. Today, many local women view FGM as outdated and harmful. As one woman told our team, “I have two daughters, I didn’t circumcise them and never will, because it is very harmful and dangerous”.
This shift made it possible to launch the “Living with FGM” program, which supports women already affected by FGM. As it is very important to simultaneously support women living with the scars of FGM every day, and at the same time not appear to condone the practice. Through peer support groups that are led by a trained social worker, women find emotional support and access to professional healthcare.
The demand for education and gynecological services has grown significantly, as many women seek to understand and care for their bodies, something they may not have had the chance or access to due to the economic and social realities of their communities. Some shared deeply personal challenges:
“This subject is very important to me. I’ve been suffering from hemorrhoids for two years, but I was too shy to visit a doctor.”
Another woman shared:
“I had a clear, viscous discharge, and I was very hesitant whether it was normal or a sign of inflammation. I couldn’t visit the doctor due to my responsibilities, and to be honest, I felt shy about saying I wanted to go for this reason, because my son would ask why I needed to see a doctor if I wasn’t sick. Thank you for helping me overcome this hesitation. The lady nurse explained everything very well, and we received benefits that no one else could have given us.”
The program’s reach has expanded steadily:
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12 groups formed in 2022
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17 in 2023
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19 in 2024
Even without dedicated funding in 2025, the team continues to visit existing groups upon request. Medical outreach has opened safe spaces to discuss taboo topics like sexual health and intimacy often for the first time. Introducing these conversations through a healthcare lens has made them more accessible and acceptable to the community.
Ranya: A Slower Path Forward
In Ranya, the path has been slower and more complex. Although awareness campaigns have contributed to a gradual decline in FGM, cultural resistance remains. In 2024, WADI launched the “Living with FGM” program to mirror Garmyan’s success, but with mixed results. In almost every group, there were voices that continued to justify the practice.
One woman stated bluntly:
“I strongly support the practice of FGM. If I had 20 daughters, I would have each one circumcised. I believe that uncircumcised girls can become overly sexually active and may struggle to control their desires”.
Others, however, expressed shifting views:
“Two years ago, a relative mutilated her daughter. I, on the other hand, do not support it thanks to these seminars.”.
In 2024, five “living with FGM” groups were established. The team focused on general health and medical needs as a way to build long-term trust, and provide support for local women’s real health needs. In rural areas, where access to gynecological care is rare, this strategy offers a path to deeper dialogue.
Erbil: Continued Prevention Amid Persistent Need
Erbil reflects a similar pattern to Ranya, progress exists, but FGM is still quietly practiced. Due to ongoing cultural support and the practice being driven underground, the “Living with FGM” program has not yet been introduced here. WADI’s efforts continue to focus on prevention, legal education, and raising awareness.
Community engagement has revealed a troubling duality: public disapproval is growing, but private belief in FGM persists.
“Yes, FGM is still practiced. My sister-in-law still performs it on young girls, though fewer people go to her now.”
Some testimonies underline the urgency:
“My father’s friend is looking for a midwife to mutilate his daughters, even though they’re grown.”
Despite these challenges, women are increasingly open to discussions around health:
“I was five months pregnant when I had a miscarriage, but I was too afraid to go to the doctor”.
By offering access to gynecological care and approaching FGM-related topics through a health-based framework, the team is building trust and paving the way for long-term change. The demand for health services especially in rural areas continues to grow, echoing the trends in Garmyan and Ranya.
Looking toward the future, Wadi would like to continue to expand access to women’s health in rural areas, increase awareness and our activities to combat FGM in areas where change has been slow such as Erbil, and continue to promote the message of the harms of FGM while also offering hope and support to women living with the realities of FGM every single day.
Please help us to continue this important campaign with your donation.
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