LEYLA HUSSEIN

BRITISH-SOMALI
“ My activism comes from this curiosity and my fierce determination to
protect my daughter “

1980-
Psychotherapist | Gender Rights Activist
When LEYLA HUSSEIN was seven years old she was
subject to a tradition known as female genital mutilation
(FMG). It wasn’t until years later when leyla had own daughter
that she began to question what had happened to her.
Leyla believe that FGM is child abuse, and should be treater
as such, with the people guilti of organizing and performing it
being sent to prisión for their crimes. But that is not what
happens.FGM has been ilegal in the UK for more tan thirty
years, yet not a single succesful prosecution has been
brought, despite estimates that 6.500 girls are at risk of FGM
withing UK every years.
Determined to change this, leyla set up daughter of evea non-
profit organization that supports women and girls and raíces
awareness on FGM.She also created the Dahlia Proyect to
provited support for victims of FGM and to help break the
cycle of FGM withing families.
Leyla appears regulary on radio and televisión and gives talks
to raise awareness. Speaking out has been easy but Leyla is
determined to continue despite the risks.

One thing you can do: learn more about FGM and speak
with your family and classmates about it.