Survivor Stories

Crowned Miss World Somalia 2025, Zainab Jama is using her platform not for glamour, but for global advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),a deeply rooted cultural practice that continues to harm millions of girls across Africa.

Her story is not just one of survival; it is a powerful example of turning personal trauma into transformative leadership. Zainab Jama’s FGM advocacy is now one of the most influential efforts emerging from East Africa.

Understanding the Crisis: FGM in Somalia

According to UNICEF and UNFPA, Somalia has one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM in the world, with over 98% of women aged 15–49 affected by the practice. Often carried out on young girls between the ages of 5 and 14, FGM causes severe physical and emotional trauma, long-term health complications, and even death in extreme cases.

FGM is not a religious requirement, yet many communities continue the practice due to social pressure, myths about cleanliness, and the belief that it preserves a girl’s virtue and marriage prospects.

Zainab Jama’s Journey: Reclaiming Her Voice

Born in Somalia, Zainab Jama was subjected to FGM as a child, an experience that marked her life but never defined it. Instead of hiding her pain, she emerged stronger, determined to make sure no other girl would have to go through the same ordeal in silence.

Now a recognized beauty queen and human rights advocate, Zainab is shifting the global narrative on pageantry, using her platform to talk about taboo topics and drive real-world impact.

“I survived what broke many. I choose to rise, speak, and fight so no girl has to endure what I did.” — Zainab Jama

The Female Initiative Foundation: Driving Change at the Grassroots

Zainab is the founder of the Female Initiative Foundation, a nonprofit committed to:

Ending FGM in Africa through education and advocacy
Providing mental health support for FGM survivors
Creating safe spaces for at-risk girls
Empowering youth through community workshops and leadership programs

Through this foundation, Zainab is not only raising awareness,she is offering practical support to girls who have experienced or are at risk of FGM.

FGM Advocacy on a Global Stage

Zainab Jama’s FGM advocacy gained momentum when she was crowned Miss World Somalia 2025, giving her the global visibility to challenge long-standing norms. As part of the Miss World’s “Beauty With a Purpose” initiative, she travels across communities, schools, and global forums, spreading a message of education, healing, and hope.

Her campaign is backed by partnerships with local NGOs, mental health professionals, and women’s rights groups. In addition, she works with regional governments to push for legislative change and stronger enforcement of anti-FGM laws.

Why Zainab Jama’s Advocacy Matters

Zainab is part of a growing wave of young African women who are rewriting what leadership looks like—bold, personal, and rooted in community. She brings authenticity to her cause as a survivor-turned-advocate, making her one of the most influential voices in the global movement to end FGM.

Her work is vital, not just for Somalia but for the world. With an estimated 200 million girls and women worldwide affected by FGM, the fight is far from over.

How You Can Support the Fight Against FGM

You don’t need to be a pageant queen to make a difference. Here’s how you can support Zainab Jama’s mission:

Follow and share her advocacy on social media platforms
Donate to the Female Initiative Foundation or similar anti-FGM organizations
Educate your community about the dangers and myths surrounding FGM
Support legislation that protects girls from harmful traditional practices

Final Thoughts: A Queen with a Cause

Zainab Jama is proving that advocacy and beauty can go hand in hand. As Miss World Somalia 2025, she represents more than her country, she represents every girl who has ever been silenced and every woman who dares to fight back.

Her campaign to end FGM in Somalia and across Africa is a call to action for the global community. It’s time we all listened.

In the spirit of International Men’s Day, I implore men to be allies in the fight against domestic violence. Today, as I share my experience as a survivor, it’s a call for men to do better and become safe spaces for women. If you see something, say something. It’s time for us all to break the silence.

In recent days, I bravely shared my journey as a survivor of domestic violence through videos on my Instagram and TikTok, using Keke Palmer’s situation as a poignant case study.

The responses I received served as a stark reminder of why so many women with voices choose to remain silent in the face of such harrowing situations. It’s a struggle that echoes with individuals like Cassie, who endured years of silence before bravely filing a heart-wrenching 35-page lawsuit against her abuser, known as “Mr. Love.”

After enduring humiliation and many challenges that could have compromised my character, I found the strength to speak up. For many years, I pushed back my pain as a survivor, focusing resolutely on my purpose. However, in the last three years, my body has been going through emotional re-healing to prevent my mental health from hanging on a thread.

The unfortunate reality is that countless women wear brave faces while trapped in abusive situations, often paralyzed by the fear of judgment and societal labelling. Every day, we encounter women in our lives or through social media, completely unaware of the battles they face behind closed doors.

When survivors find the courage to share their stories, judgments can inadvertently empower the abusers, perpetuating victimization and allowing them to escape accountability for their crimes. It’s disheartening to witness how society, while encouraging survivors to seek support, often turns around and stigmatizes them for doing just that.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognize that without a strong heart and a supportive network, the stigma I encountered could have broken me. At times, I find myself wondering if I’m made of steel, considering the resilience needed to navigate through such challenges.

The societal re-traumatization of domestic violence victims is a painful reality, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding. It is crucial to remember that survivors are not defined by their past but are individuals with strength, courage, and the ability to rebuild their lives.

As I share this featured photo, it’s a reminder to fellow survivors: Don’t let society rob you of your joy. Keep smiling, keep living your best life. In the spirit of positivity, let’s refrain from pity party comments – instead, send some food my way and share uplifting words.

Nuggets on Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors:

Believe and Validate: Acknowledge the survivor’s experience and believe their story.
Offer a Listening Ear: Sometimes, survivors simply need someone to listen without judgment.
Respect Boundaries: Allow survivors to share at their own pace; don’t pressure them to reveal more than they are comfortable with.
Provide Resources: Share information on local support services and helplines.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of abuse and understand the complexities involved.
Be Patient: Healing is a process, and survivors may need time to rebuild their lives.

Citing Keke Palmer‘s example, where she courageously shared her story, let’s amplify the voices of survivors and create a supportive environment. Light always shines through the darkness.

Zainab Jama: From FGM Survivor to Global Change-Maker