Story

Ending Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia Starts Within Communities

October 14, 2016 | Pulitzer Center
By
Amy Yee
A mother in Bona in southern Ethiopia (right) underwent female genital mutilation as a young woman

A mother in Bona in southern Ethiopia (right) underwent female genital mutilation as a young woman. But because of KMG's efforts, her daughter (left) and other girls in their community will not undergo the harmful practice. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Abebech Yacob, a 37-year-old farmer in Kembatta Tembaro in southern Ethiopia

Abebech Yacob, a 37-year-old farmer in Kembatta Tembaro in southern Ethiopia, lost two babies in childbirth. She did not know the complications were due to the FGM she underwent as a girl. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Mihret Ayele, 28, is part of the new generation of uncut girls and women in Kembatta Tembaro

Mihret Ayele, 28, is part of the new generation of uncut girls and women in Kembatta Tembaro. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Merhun Abebe, 18, participated in community conversations in Kembatta Tembaro, as did the majority of residents here

Merhun Abebe, 18, participated in community conversations in Kembatta Tembaro, as did the majority of residents here. He learned about the harmful effects of FGM. Here he stands in front of a much-needed bridge that KMG helped build—an effort that earned the community's trust. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Wolde Gebremichael, 45, is a farmer and religious leader in Kembatta Tembaro

Wolde Gebremichael, 45, is a farmer and religious leader in Kembatta Tembaro. He says fewer women in the community are dying during childbirth now that FGM has stopped. KMG worked with community leaders like Gebremichael to raise awareness and change attitudes and behavior in Ethiopia. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Beyebo Eresado, 50, is a farmer and village elder in Kembatta Tembaro. A decade ago nearly all women underwent FGM

Beyebo Eresado, 50, is a farmer and village elder in Kembatta Tembaro. A decade ago nearly all women underwent FGM. When the non-profit KMG started community conversations, it took a few years for people to accept a new perspective on FGM. Working with influential village elders like Eresado was an important part of KMG's work. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

Adane Tula, 33, said discussing private matters such as FGM, domestic violence and dowry in KMG's community conversations was strange at first

Adane Tula, 33, said discussing private matters such as FGM, domestic violence and dowry in KMG's community conversations was strange at first. But "day by day I have learned a lot," he said. Because of KMG's efforts, Tula will not have his three daughters undergo FGM. Image by Amy Yee. Ethiopia, 2016.

A mother in Ethiopia who underwent female genital mutilation as a young woman and lost two babies in childbirth as a result. A father who expected to have his daughters cut as dictated by tradition, but who changed his mind. These are some of the people in southern Ethiopia who have been affected by the work of KMG, the non-profit that works to end female genital mutilation and empower poor rural communities in Ethiopia. These photos show people from all walks of life who have changed their attitudes toward FGM. After KMG’s initiatives to raise awareness about the harmful impact of FGM, mothers and fathers decided not to have their daughters cut. Young women and men also participated in community conversations and created a shift in their generation. Religious leaders, village elders and other influential people in the community were also important to changing attitudes.