March 8th is International Women’s Day, an important date to remember and recognize the historical struggle of women for equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life. In this context, Asha Ismail, a Somali activist and founder and director of Save a Girl Save a Generation, is an inspiration for all women who continue to face obstacles and challenges in achieving their goals. On Monday, she received the 2023 Avanzadoras Award from the international organization Oxfam.

In a recent interview with the newspaper 20 Minutos, Ismail talked about her trajectory as an activist and her commitment to the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that affects millions of women worldwide. She revealed that she was subjected to this practice as a child, which led her to become aware of the importance of fighting against this form of gender violence.

Since then, she has dedicated her life to promoting education and empowerment for girls and women, working closely with local communities, religious leaders, and governments to eradicate FGM and other forms of gender violence.

She is an example of how the fight for gender equality cannot be effective without the active participation of women. As she herself points out in the interview, “women are the best defenders of women’s rights, and we cannot wait for others to speak for us.” That is why at Save a Girl Save a Generation, we work closely with women and girls in local communities to promote education, intercultural dialogue, and active participation in decision-making.

Her example is a reminder that the fight for gender equality is a collective task that requires the commitment and solidarity of all people, regardless of their gender, race, or religion. On this International Women’s Day, we want to join in and reaffirm the diversity and strength of women and continue working to create a more just and equitable world for everyone.

International Women's Day