Articles

Empowering Women Through Dialogue and Action To mark International Women’s Day, Ubah Inspire hosted a special Iftar gathering, bringing together organizations, women leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate achievements and discuss challenges impacting women’s progress. Key Discussions and Challenges The event featured a presentation on the significance of International Women’s Day, emphasizing the need for continuous advocacy for gender equality. Participants identified key barriers hindering women’s empowerment, including economic constraints, cultural limitations, and lack of leadership opportunities. Proposed Solutions and Call to Action To drive change, the event highlighted several initiatives: Establishing Engagement Platforms – Forums for women to connect, share experiences, and receive mentorship. Strengthening Networks – Encouraging collaboration across academia, business, and civil society. Enhancing Leadership Participation – Supporting women in decision-making roles across various sectors A major highlight was the announcement of a Women’s Economic Fund by the President of Somaliland, aimed at financially supporting women-led enterprises. Participants stressed the importance of transparency and accessibility to ensure its effectiveness. Conclusion: Moving Forward Together The event reinforced the importance of collective action in breaking barriers and advancing gender equality. Stakeholders committed to continued collaboration and advocacy, ensuring women from all backgrounds have opportunities to thrive. By maintaining momentum and implementing these strategies, Ubah Inspire and its partners aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.  

Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply harmful practice that has affected millions of girls worldwide. It involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury’s to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice is primarily carried out in certain cultural, religious, and social contexts, often under the belief that it preserves a girl’s purity, ensures marriageability, or fulfills traditional norms. However, FGM has no health benefits—instead, it causes severe physical and psychological harm. The Health and Psychological Consequences of FGM FGM is not just a cultural practice; it is a violation of human rights that poses life-threatening risks. The consequences can be immediate and long-term, affecting a girl’s health for the rest of her life. Some of the most common complications include: Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage): Many girls suffer from severe bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death. Infections: Un sanitary conditions and the use of non-sterile instruments increase the risk of life-threatening infections, including tetanus and sepsis. Difficulties during childbirth: Women who have undergone FGM often experience complications during labor and delivery, increasing the risk of maternal and infant mortality. Chronic pain and scarring: Many survivors of FGM suffer from long- term pain, difficulty urinating, and other medical complications. Psychological trauma: FGM can cause deep emotional scars, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a lifetime of distress. A Human Rights Violation That Must End FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the rights of women and girls. It denies them autonomy over their own bodies, subjects them to unnecessary pain, and reinforces gender inequality. Organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and various human rights groups have condemned the practice and called for global efforts to eradicate it. Ending FGM is not just about stepping a harmful act—it is about upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of girls and women worldwide. It is about ensuring that every girl has the freedom to grow up without fear, pain, or oppression. The Role of Families, Communities, and Leaders The fight against FGM requires the collective efforts of society. Parents, elders, religious leaders, educators, health professionals, and policymakers all play a crucial role in stopping this practice. Here’s how different groups can contribute: Parents and Guardians: Educating families about the dangers of FGM and breaking the cycle by refusing to subject their daughters to it. Community and Religious Leaders: Using their influence to challenge harmful traditions, promote awareness, and advocate for change. Healthcare Providers: Offering medical care, psychological support, and educating communities about the severe health risks associated with FGM. Governments and Lawmakers: Enforcing strict laws against FGM, ensuring protection for girls, and providing support for survivors. Educators and Schools: Teaching young girls and boys about their rights, gender equality, and the importance of ending FGM. A Future Free from FGM Girls have the right to live free from pain, oppression, and fear. They deserve access to education, healthcare, and the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. Eliminating FGM is a crucial step toward achieving gender equality and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Now is the time to speak out. Now is the time to take action. Let us work together to protect our daughters, empower our communities, and bring an end to Female Genital Mutilation once and for all. Join the Movement. Raise Awareness. Say No to FGM.

About Ubah The Ubah Inspire Initiative has been a catalyst for change since 2017, in Somaliland through Ubah Inspire and Fitness Centre, providing women and girls with a secure space to pursue sports, arts, and personal development. As a women-led organization, Ubah Inspire is dedicated to fostering confidence, resilience, and social transformation in a society where women’s participation in sports and public spaces faces unique cultural challenges. Breaking Barriers and Pioneering Inclusion  Ubah Inspire’s journey has been one of resilience, vision, and a commitment to breaking down barriers that have long excluded women, especially those with disabilities, from full participation in sports. When it opened, the concept of a female- centered sports faced resistance from the community. Even neighbors were skeptical, questioning why such a space was needed. But Ubah’s team, unwavering in their vision, believed that women deserve access to sports and self-expression without judgment or barriers. Yet, the team behind Ubah Inspire remained unwavering in their vision: to create a space where girls and women—regardless of ability or background—could come together, express themselves freely, and access opportunities for physical and artistic expression. This vision was rooted in the belief that every woman, no matter her abilities or challenges, deserves the opportunity to engage in sports and arts without facing judgment, discrimination, or limitations. The Ubah Inspire persistence has led to a local women’s football league, inspiring other regions to establish women’s sports teams and leagues of their own. Ubah’s influence reaches far beyond the field, challenging cultural norms and paving the way for more inclusive opportunities for women and girls. The impact of this inclusive approach was profound, not only on the girls who participated but also on the wider community. Parents of girls often expressed gratitude that their daughters could now engage in activities that were once considered off-limits. This shift, however, was not easy. It took time to build trust within the community, educate people about the importance of inclusivity, and overcome the initial resistance. Capacity Building and Community Engagement Capacity Building Offering workshops and training sessions to equip women and girls with essential life skills, leadership capabilities, and professional expertise. Community-Led Initiatives Supporting youth-led and women-led groups with small grants to foster innovation, promote social cohesion, and At its heart, Ubah Inspire is more than just a sports and arts hub—it’s a platform for personal growth, professional development, and social connection. Through its diverse range of programs focuses on: tackle community challenges through arts and sports. Advocacy and Awareness Hosting dialogues, campaigns, and events that challenge cultural norms and advocate for women’s rights, inclusion, and empowerment. A Safe Space For Growth, Resilience, And Connection  For many young women, Ubah Inspire has become a “peace place,” a refuge from the stresses of daily life. It’s where they come to play sports, meet new friends, and find a supportive community. In the words of Nasteexo, a 19-year-old who joined Ubah’s football program, “I never believed girls played football, and joining Ubah has changed my life completely, mentally and physically. Ubah has become my peace place.” Her story is echoed by others who have found confidence, strength, and self-expression through Ubah’s programs. Inspiring Social Transformation In Somaliland Under the guidance of its passionate and knowledgeable team, Ubah Inspire creates pathways for women and girls to connect with their potential and with each other. Ubah’s impact goes beyond personal development, building a stronger, more inclusive society where women can confidently step into public life and make a difference. As the grows, its influence continues to expand across Somaliland, creating a ripple effect that encourages other organizations to support women in sports and arts. Ubah Inspire’s journey is proof that a single vision, backed by dedication and courage, can break down barriers and inspire an entire community. A Call to Action: Help Us Empower More Girls The impact of Ubah Inspire Initiative has been undeniable, but we know there is so much more work to do. There are still girls in our community waiting for someone to believe in them, for someone to give them the opportunity to shine. This is where you come in. With your support, we can continue to provide life-changing opportunities for girls and young women. We can create more football teams, hold more life skills sessions, and ensure every girl knows her worth. Together, we can build a future where no girl is left behind, and every girl knows she can be a lead champion, and a force for change.     At the heart of Ubah Inspire’s mission was a challenge to societal norms. In many communities, the idea of women and girls—including those with disabilities—engaging in physical sports was not always accepted. There was often a perception that such activities were better suited for men or that women were incapable of fully participating in such areas. Ubah Centre actively worked to dismantle these stereotypes, encouraging women of all backgrounds to break free from the limiting expectations placed upon them.     We invite you to be a part of this journey. Your support can help transform the lives of these girls, giving them the strength, confidence, and opportunities they deserve. Let’s work together to empower the next generation of leaders, one girl at a time.