By Oluwadamilola (Dami) Alabi, Chicago North Side Program Coordinator

Today, on February 6, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), we are proud to highlight the new program we are launching in Chicago’s North Side this spring to protect our youth from FGM and educate communities about its dangers.

AHA Foundation’s study on FGM trends revealed that in 2019, 384,000 women and girls were living with FGM, while 31,000 girls were at risk of undergoing this abuse in the U.S. In Chicago’s North Side, 3,450 women and girls are potentially impacted by FGM, while the estimated figure across the entire Chicago metropolitan area is around 12,000. In 2021, AHA launched our initial program in Chicago’s North Side, during which we successfully trained hundreds of frontline professionals and fostered impactful partnerships within the community. However, this was just the beginning.

Recognizing the urgent, unmet needs in the community, and thanks to a new federal grant, we are now expanding our reach to students and schools. In collaboration with local organizations, we will provide age-appropriate education about FGM to students ages 5-15, ensuring they understand their rights and the dangers of this practice.

We’re not stopping there! AHA will also deliver specialized training for law enforcement and school faculty, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and safely intervene in FGM situations. We aim to work closely with schools to implement policies and procedures designed to detect and prevent FGM, ensuring a safe environment for all students.

Comprehensive support services will also be available from our local partners, including counseling and medical care, for survivors of FGM or girls at risk. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive network for those affected.

By educating and protecting our young girls, we are working to ensure that their stories are filled with hope and their futures are free from the threat of FGM. Together, with local partners, schools, families, and the community, we will create a united front against FGM. If you reside in Chicago’s North Side, stay updated on our progress by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Get involved by participating in our events, volunteering, or donating to AHA Foundation.

We eagerly look forward to continuing to work with Chicago’s North Side community to support survivors and protect every girl at risk of FGM.

Empowering the Next Generation to End Female Genital Mutilation

Read AHA Foundation’s Groundbreaking New Study of FGM/C Trends in the U.S.

“We have to share the truth about FGM—the unnecessary pain and trauma it causes. We must help the voiceless to speak. We must educate.” Raha’s inspiring story of surviving FGM and becoming a champion for women’s rights.

Bayor Chantal Ngoltoingar was told she would die if she ever spoke out about undergoing FGM. This is her story of survival—and refusing to be silenced.

Sahara was told some goals were unattainable for women of her background. She dared to believe otherwise.

The Toll of Female Genital Mutilation Through the Eyes of an Award-Winning Photographer and FGM Survivor