Plan International Ethiopia is working alongside communities to end FGM. As a result, boys and men are taking action to protect girls from harmful practices.

Alemayehu, 14, is a member of a boys’ club supported by Plan International.
“I WANT TO MARRY AN UNCUT GIRL” - ALEMAYEHU, 14, SCHOOLBOY
”I’m a member of a boys’ club supported by Plan International. We discuss harmful practices in our club meetings and spread the word to our friends.

“Before I joined the club, I didn’t know much about FGM, only that it was something that should be done and that, as a result, childbirth can be difficult.

“I have 4 older sisters. One of them had such a hard delivery that she almost died. The traditional circumciser in our village has performed FGM on all my big sisters.

“At times, it feels awkward to speak about FGM as a boy. It used to be unacceptable, and the topic was a complete taboo. But I pluck up courage from the thought that if I and other boys stay silent, our sisters and friends will die.

“As I have spoken against FGM, my parents have started to listen to me and changed their minds. They have regretted what they did and promised that my fifth sister will not have FGM.

“I want to marry an uncut girl

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