An interesting meeting with President Omar Geulleh pleased me particularly.

President Ismael Omar Geulleh explains his government´s measures against FGM

Shortly after my arrival, President Ismael Omar Geulleh received me in his residence and gave me some invaluable first hand information about the work of his government in the battle against FGM and their campaign to strengthen women´s rights in Djibouti.

Although Djibouti is a small country, it nevertheless has big influence on its neighbouring states Somalia, Ethiopia (for which Djibouti provides the only access to the sea) and Eritrea. In these particular countries the most cruel form of FGM is practised, infibulations or pharaonic genital mutilation. Nearly 100% of women in these countries are victims of this crime.

During a meal with six ministers and their wives I received even more information about the dedicated work of the government. Circumcisers are being re-educated, whoever is not agreeable to this is sent to prison. Of course there are continuous discussions with the religious leaders to gain their support. Schools, hospitals and women’s homes (Djibouti really does have homes for women who were made victims of domestic violence) are regularly informed and educated. In the rural regions education and control is more difficult, as there simple isn’t the necessary infrastructure.

Shortly after my arrival, President Ismael Omar Geulleh received me in his residence and gave me some invaluable first hand information about the work of his government in the battle against FGM and their campaign to strengthen women´s rights in Djibouti.

Although Djibouti is a small country, it nevertheless has big influence on its neighbouring states Somalia, Ethiopia (for which Djibouti provides the only access to the sea) and Eritrea. In these particular countries the most cruel form of FGM is practised, infibulations or pharaonic genital mutilation. Nearly 100% of women in these countries are victims of this crime.

During a meal with six ministers and their wives I received even more information about the dedicated work of the government. Circumcisers are being re-educated, whoever is not agreeable to this is sent to prison. Of course there are continuous discussions with the religious leaders to gain their support. Schools, hospitals and women’s homes (Djibouti really does have homes for women who were made victims of domestic violence) are regularly informed and educated. In the rural regions education and control is more difficult, as there simple isn’t the necessary infrastructure.

Just before my return journey I met the First Lady Kadra Mahmoud Haid for a personal conversation. Unfortunately I couldn’t accept her invitation to an important women´s meeting the next evening, as I had to return to Europe. However, I will come back to this hospitable and future-oriented African country.