Raising voices, breaking silence: girls take the stage against FGM
Under its integrated Mother and Child Health Care and Nutrition Support (IMCH &NS) program, Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia has established Girl Clubs in local schools to raise awareness and fight female genital mutilations (FGM). The Girls’ Clubs are proving that young voices can be powerful agents of change.
During the last month of June 2026, the girls took their message to two different schools, using drama to challenge the deeply rooted practice of FGM in their community.
On June 24th, 2026, the school closing day at St. Mary Preschool, Dubbo, became a powerful moment of awareness and advocacy. The Girls' Clubs from two schools took the stage, performing entirely in 'Wolaytatto', the local language, to ensure their message reached the rural audience where FGM prevalence remains high.
Through their performance, the girls depicted the short and long-term consequences of FGM: bleeding, infection, chronic pain, childbirth complications, and lasting psychological trauma. They also conveyed a message of hope, that change is possible and every girl has the right to say no.
On June 29, 2026, the same Girls’ Clubs brought their performance to Our Lady’s Primary and Secondary School, Dubbo, during its closing ceremony. This extended their reach to families from the surrounding rural and semi-urban communities, where FGM remain deeply rooted. By performing in the local language, the girls ensured their message reached those who needed it most: parents, elders, and community members.
At both performances, the audience was deeply moved. One young girl said, “I did not know FGM could cause so much harm. Now I understand why we must stop it.” A visibly affected woman shared, “This drama opened my eyes. I have daughters, and I will not let this happen to them.” An adult man also expressed his support, saying, “I always thought this was just a woman’s issue. Today, I see it is a community issue, and we men must also speak against it.”
Sr. Berhane Ashebo (MSC), Executive Director of Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia, attended both events. She expressed her deep appreciation, thanking peer educator Ms. Abysinia Akalu for her guidance and the girls for their creativity and courage in addressing such a sensitive topic.
These performances were more than just entertainment, they were statements. They showed that young girls are not silent victims but agents of change. By speaking in their own language and reaching their communities, they planted seeds that will continue to grow. And for the families who watched, the message will not be forgotten.