Thirteen-year-old Amina* arrived at the Women and Girls Safe Space (WGSS) in Kahda district in desperate need of medical attention. A recent arrival, displaced by the ongoing conflict in Lower Shabelle, she had endured a traumatic journey. But the greatest threat to her young life was not the war—it was a harmful tradition that had already left her scarred.

In her remote village of Qoryoley, Amina underwent Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice still deeply ingrained in some communities. The procedure had devastating consequences. She suffered severe complications, including excessive bleeding and a dangerous infection. Her family, already struggling to survive in displacement, could not afford medical care. With each passing day, Amina grew weaker.

It was at this critical moment that help arrived. Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with support from Northern Frontier Youth League (NoFYL), the medical outreach program at the WGSS became Amina’s lifeline. Trained healthcare teams acted swiftly to stop the bleeding, manage her pain, and treat her infection. Understanding the financial strain her family faced, the program also provided a transportation allowance, ensuring that Amina and her mother could reach the health facility without added hardship.

“Before coming here, I thought my life would end,” Amina shared, her voice carrying the weight of her ordeal. “Now, I feel healthy and strong again.”

But Amina’s story does not end with survival. With her health restored, she has been given something equally precious—a future. Today, she is back in school within the IDP camp, her laughter echoing through the narrow paths of her temporary home. Her journey from pain to healing is a testament to the lifesaving impact of accessible medical care and the unwavering commitment of KOICA, UNFPA, and their partners.

Through their efforts, Amina is not just surviving—she is thriving. And for countless other girls at risk, this program represents hope, proving that every life saved is a step toward ending harmful practices and securing a brighter future for Somalia’s next generation.

*Not her real name