Network against FGM in Somaliland (NAFIS)

NAFIS is a network whose main goal is to contribute to the abandonment of
female genital mutilation in Somaliland.​

The project will be working with NAFIS’ member CSOs, women’s self-help groups (SHG) and related Cluster Level Associations (CLA) as well as local authorities in Togdheer and Sanaag regions. NAFIS will build their capacity to address all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) and to influence national and regional decision-makers to enact missing and enforce existing policies and laws that protect women and girls from violence. NAFIS will also collaborate with CSOs to build their resilience to overcome prolonged crises by connecting them to relevant ministries and networks.

CSOs and SHGs will be educated on women’s bodily rights and the harmful effects of VAWG, especially FGM. SHG members will be empowered to advocate for their bodily rights and participate in regional coordination efforts to form a relationship with local authorities and CSOs. All these groups will collaborate to influence legislators at the national level to pass the pending an Anti-FGM Bill. Regional authorities, too, will receive training and be sensitized on VAWG, with a special focus on FGM. These sensitized authorities will in turn be encouraged to collaborate with SHGs and CSOs to effectively coordinate efforts against VAWG

The main development processes in 2024 are as follows:

• NAFIS plans to conduct three trainings for 30 CSOs and WROs on how to continue their efforts on advocacy, social accountability, and community engagement during crises. They will also organize quarterly information and experience sharing.

• The CLA women will be trained on advocacy and lobbying to influence key regional authorities properly; there will be training on legal and human rights perspectives of bodily rights and VAWG. The CLAs will, in turn, conduct sensitization on VAWG to their respective member SHGs.

• An annual forum will be held in Burao for 30 CSOs and the SHG federation. A common stand will be pursued during this forum, and a statement will be released against All forms of FGM. support the enactment of the Anti-FGM bill. Additionally, a bi-annual regional multistakeholder dialogue will be organized for CSOs, CLAs/SHGs, and regional authorities to discuss the implementation of laws and policies that impact women, girls and minority groups.