Standing up for gender equality in Ethiopia
13-year-old Mohamed* lives in the Somali region of Ethiopia where, for generations, many girls have faced female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. Mohamed is determined to use his voice to change that.
“I am part of a group that works to prevent violence against girls,” he says, describing his role in a Save the Children-supported Child Club at his school.
Seeing inequality up close
Through the club, Mohamed learned how everyday inequality shapes the lives of girls around him, from household chores to school and beyond.
“Let me tell you what will happen if we don’t promote equality,” he explains.
“Inequality among children includes situations where only the girl wakes up early in the morning to fetch water and cook for the family, while the boy is still sleeping. And she gives him food and sends him to school, while she stays at home to wash his clothes.”
He and his friends also began talking about gender inequality, practices like FGM, and child marriage, which have affected many girls in their community for generations. “The reason we mainly focus on girls is because all three of those issues affect them the most,” Mohamed says. “Both boys and girls have the right to be treated equally. One shouldn’t have more rights than the other.”
Turning learning into action
Through the Child Club, Mohamed and his friends have learnt ways to take action. Together, they create plays and street dramas that show how harmful practices affect girls’ lives.
“The play is about equality between a brother and a sister. We also did a play against early marriage and FGM,” says Mohamed. “I believe the play will influence behaviour and help shift people’s mindset.”
Club members also attend community events to share what they’ve learned. “We form groups to carry out awareness activities. We attend family gatherings to share information with them … We explain to them that understanding FGM’s impact is for their own benefit, not only for us.”
It seems to be working. Since the program launched in 2020, at least 211 child marriages and 416 cases of FGM have been prevented. Many parents are now rejecting outdated beliefs and encouraging their daughters to stay in school.
“Nowadays, the practice of FGM has decreased and early marriage cases are fewer. Inequality among siblings has also decreased. I believe awareness has made a difference,” Mohamed says.
For Mohamed, the most rewarding part is seeing the changes in his own friends, family, and neighbours.
Dreaming bigger for girls
By supporting children like Mohamed through Child Clubs, creative activities and community-led programs, people like you are helping shift harmful norms and championing girls’ rights – so every girl can go to school, make her own choices, and shape her own future.
Mohamed is clear about his hopes for himself and for girls in his community.
“In the future, I want to become president so I can make a difference in my country. I will make efforts to stop FGM. I will eradicate early marriage. I will also promote equality,” he says. He also plans to appoint women to top ministerial positions in his government. As he puts it: “No one can stop an educated girl.”
Photos: Maheder Haileselassie / Save the Children.
*Name changed for privacy.