The United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year, we’re advocating for protection from Female Genital Mutilation in a campaign led by an STF Girl Activist Fellow.

This campaign is a listening and learning experience. You can take action by watching the video and holding a discussion using our viewing guides below.

From Our Fellow

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). My name is Niyathi, I’m 16, and I’m a She’s the First Girl Activist Fellow. After learning about the severity of FGM as a harmful cultural practice still common across the world, I wanted to make sure other girls were prepared to advocate against this practice.

Thanks to Msichana Empowerment Kuria, a She’s the First Partner Organization based in Kenya, I was able to hear directly from girls who have been impacted by FGM and become activists for themselves and other girls. I’ve learned so much from their activism and research, and I hope through this video you can as well.

Meet the Activists

Niyathi interviewed eight girls, all 15 and 16 years old, who are part of Msichana Empowerment Kuria’s mentorship program and are learning to advocate for themselves and their peers in their community. Thank you, Christine, Florence, Janet, Lucy, Martha, Naomi, Night, and Valary for sharing your stories and perspectives.

Use these viewing guides to hold a conversation with girls in your life, or to consider your own personal reflection. We encourage mentors and student leaders to download and read through the discussion guides before leading a viewing session with girls.

Watch the Video

Content Warning: This video deals with Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM. In the video, girls who have been impacted by FGM discuss reasons why FGM is performed and what they have done to advocate against this practice. While there are no graphic details or images, some of these stories may be difficult to hear.

What is the Girl Activist Fellowship?

She’s the First’s Girl Activist Fellowship is a world-class training and mentorship experience for girls aged 14-22. Each year, a cohort of 30 girls from all over the world enter an 18-month program that provides a foundation of leadership, activism, and organizing skills that they can draw from for the rest of their lives. The Fellowship is structured as a project-based learning model, where girls learn by planning and executing an advocacy campaign for their peers on the global stage. Learn More >>