Uniting Somali Women to End FGM & Gender-Based Violence
A global network of women-led organisations working for dignity, safety, and justice.
A Somali-Led Movement for Dignity & Justice
The Belt of Somali Women (BSW) is a global network of women-led organisations dedicated to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and all forms of gender-based violence. Founded on the principles of solidarity and collective action, BSW brings together women from across the Horn of Africa and the diaspora to champion the rights, health, and dignity of Somali women and girls.
Through community education, capacity building, advocacy, and cross-border collaboration, BSW empowers local organisations with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to drive sustainable change in their communities. Our approach centres Somali women as agents of change — leading, speaking, and shaping the solutions that affect their lives.
Vision & Mission
Guided by our commitment to a world free from violence.
What We Envision
We envision a world where every Somali woman and girl lives free from violence, enjoys her full human rights, and has the opportunity to fulfil her potential — in a society that values, respects, and protects her dignity.
What We Do
To strengthen and unite Somali women-led organisations globally through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and collective advocacy — ending FGM and gender-based violence while advancing women's rights, health, and economic empowerment.
Our Areas of Work
We focus on four interconnected areas to create lasting change for Somali women and girls.
Community Education & Dialogue
Facilitating culturally sensitive community conversations and educational programmes to shift attitudes and behaviours around FGM and gender equality.
Capacity Building
Strengthening the skills, knowledge, and organisational capacity of women-led groups through training, mentorship, and resource sharing.
Advocacy & Policy
Influencing policy at local, national, and international levels to protect women's rights and hold governments accountable for ending FGM.
Diaspora Engagement
Connecting and mobilising the Somali diaspora to support grassroots efforts, fundraise, and advocate for change in both host and home countries.
Our Member Organisations
Our strength lies in our network. Discover the organisations driving change across the globe.
Save a Girl Save a Generation
Hayaat Women Trust
SASDO
Somalia Gender Hub
Save Minority Women & Children
SAYE Association
SWOVO
Libin Women Empowerment Center
RESO
East Africa Youth Council
Our Plan to Support Our Members
We are committed to providing our members with the tools and resources they need to drive meaningful change in their communities.
1. Networking & Collaboration Opportunities
Collective efforts are essential in the fight to eliminate female genital mutilation. We connect our members with organisations, activists, and experts, fostering a strong, collaborative network where experiences, strategies, and knowledge can be shared. Members will have the chance to participate in joint advocacy campaigns, resource-sharing, and collaborative projects to strengthen their impact.
2. Building Capacity & Providing Guidance
We understand that the ability to access financial resources is critical for making real progress. Our plan includes building the capacity of our members to effectively secure financial resources. We provide guidance on how to apply for grants, develop partnerships, and find donations. Additionally, we create opportunities for members to engage in collective fundraising efforts that support their work to eliminate FGM.
3. Raising Awareness About FGM
Raising awareness is at the heart of our mission. We provide educational materials, training, and ongoing support to help our members communicate the harmful effects of FGM. This includes equipping members with the knowledge and tools they need to engage communities, local leaders, policymakers, and the media in meaningful dialogue.
Voices of Change
Hear from the women and communities whose lives have been transformed through the Belt of Somali Women network.
“Through BSW's network, I found the strength to speak about my experience. For the first time, I felt heard, supported, and part of something bigger than myself. Together, we are breaking the silence.”
Amina H.
Community Advocate, Mogadishu 🇸🇴
“Before joining the Belt of Somali Women, our organisation struggled to access funding and training. Now, we have the skills, the network, and the confidence to drive real change in our community.”
Halima A.
Director, Women's Health Initiative 🇰🇪
“BSW connected me with sisters across borders. The knowledge-sharing and collective advocacy have transformed how we approach FGM prevention in our region. We are no longer working in isolation.”
Fadumo M.
Programme Officer, Diaspora Network 🇬🇧
“The capacity-building workshops gave us practical tools to educate our community. Fathers, religious leaders, and elders are now part of the conversation — that had never happened before.”
Asha D.
Community Educator, Hargeisa 🇸🇱
“Being part of BSW means our voices reach policymakers. We have seen real changes in how local governments address gender-based violence. Our collective voice carries weight.”
Sahra O.
Policy Advocate, Nairobi 🇰🇪
“As a young woman, I was afraid to challenge tradition. BSW gave me the courage, the platform, and the sisterhood to stand up and say: enough. Our generation will end this practice.”
Iman Y.
Youth Leader, Amsterdam 🇳🇱
Publications
Power in Partnership: Uniting to End Female Genital Mutilation Across Somali Communities
On April 23rd, a powerful virtual gathering brought together trailblazing women, bold activists, and unwavering advocates from across the Somali regions and diaspora. In the...
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Webinar: Power in Partnership: Uniting to End FGM Across Somali Communities
FGM continues to threaten the rights, health, and well-being of Somali women and girls. Join Belt of Somali Women, AWRA, and The Girl Generation for...
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Training on Female Genital Mutilation Awareness for Somali Communities
Join our free 2-day training designed for volunteers, practitioners, community leaders, and activists. Learn essential skills to understand, address, and advocate against female genital mutilation within...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Belt of Somali Women and how you can get involved.
Change happens when women lead. Join us.
Together, we are building a global movement of Somali women — united, organised, and determined to create a world free from FGM and gender-based violence.