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Community Education & Dialogue
At the heart of our work is the belief that lasting change starts within communities. We facilitate culturally sensitive conversations and educational programmes designed to shift attitudes and behaviours around FGM and gender equality.
Our community educators work alongside local leaders — including religious figures, elders, and health workers — to create safe spaces for dialogue that are grounded in local values while championing the rights of women and girls. We reach thousands of community members each year through workshops, radio programmes, school outreach, and community events.
Capacity Building
Strong local organisations are the foundation of sustainable change. We invest in the long-term growth of our member organisations by providing tailored training, mentorship, technical support, and resource-sharing opportunities.
Our capacity-building programmes cover a wide range of topics including project management, monitoring and evaluation, financial management, fundraising, communications, and advocacy skills. By strengthening the organisations closest to affected communities, we amplify impact and ensure that change is community-owned and enduring.
Advocacy & Policy
Ending FGM requires more than community action — it demands accountability from governments and institutions. Our advocacy work seeks to influence policy at local, national, and international levels to protect the rights of women and girls and ensure that laws are not only passed but enforced.
We work with parliamentarians, UN agencies, civil society coalitions, and media partners to raise the profile of FGM as a human rights issue. Our member organisations contribute critical grassroots evidence that shapes international policy debates, ensuring that the voices of affected communities are heard at the highest levels.
Diaspora Engagement
The Somali diaspora plays a unique and powerful role in efforts to end FGM. Living between cultures, diaspora communities can both challenge harmful practices and strengthen protective norms. BSW connects and mobilises diaspora members across Europe, North America, and beyond to support grassroots efforts in their countries of origin.
We facilitate diaspora-led fundraising, advocacy, and awareness campaigns, and provide platforms for diaspora women to share their experiences and expertise. By bridging homeland and diaspora, we create a truly global movement for change.
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Impact at a Glance
Support our work
Your support enables us to continue building a global network of Somali women committed to lasting change.