Viola Finds Her Voice Against FGM

When Viola (not her real name) first joined the AMUA SASA one-day event, she was a quiet and reserved girl. Like many of her peers, she carried silent fears about her future and the pressure of harmful practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). She listened intently but spoke very little at the beginning. As the session unfolded, something shifted. Through open conversations on education, mentorship, and child protection, Viola began to find her courage. By the end of the training, she was filled with questions—eager to know how she could escape the threat of FGM and how to support her friend who had already been cut. She even asked how members of Light a Girl Initiative themselves had managed to avoid the practice at a time when it was so common. Her curiosity and boldness were proof that she had stepped into a new sense of empowerment. A day after the event, Viola sent a heartfelt message to the team. She wrote: “I would like to appreciate what your group is doing to empower girls. Yesterday you made us feel proud about ourselves as girls by teaching us more. I will try to teach other girls what I learned. In my opinion, I learned a lot yesterday—better than before, which I cannot even explain. Before I forget, I want to thank your group for the food and money you gave us because it will help me a lot. As I conclude, please make sure that you come back next time. Thank you very much for saving girls, continue with the same spirit and God will bless your group totally.” Viola’s journey from silence to courage shows the impact of creating safe spaces where girls can speak, learn, and dream. Her determination to share her knowledge with others highlights the ripple effect of empowerment. Through AMUA SASA! project, an organization like Light a Girl Initiative is not only helping girls like Viola resist harmful practices but also raising young champions who will stand up for others in their communities.

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