Child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) are among the most harmful traditional practices that severely violate the rights, health, and futures of girls. Millions of girls— some as young as 9—are forced into early marriages, ending their education, increasing their risk of domestic abuse, and exposing them to early pregnancies and lifelong trauma. Similarly, FGM, often performed under the guise of cultural or religious practice, leads to irreversible physical and emotional harm, including severe infections, complications in childbirth, chronic pain, and psychological damage. These practices are deeply rooted in patriarchy, control over female bodies, and the desire to suppress female autonomy, and they persist in many regions due to lack of awareness, legal enforcement, and support services.
At WakeUp Her, we believe education is one of the strongest tools to combat harmful traditional practices. We work with communities, faith leaders, educators, and parents to raise awareness about the real, often hidden consequences of child marriage and FGM. Our campaigns focus on changing mindsets by sharing survivor stories, encouraging dialogue, and challenging the deeply held norms that justify these violations.
We emphasize that these practices are not religious requirements, but human rights abuses, and we promote alternative rites of passage that honor tradition without harming girls. Public education also includes training for health professionals, teachers, and social workers to identify at-risk girls and intervene early, as well as equipping families with the knowledge to protect their daughters’ rights.
WakeUp Her provides confidential support services to girls and women affected by child marriage or FGM, including legal aid, counseling, healthcare referrals, and shelter when needed. We work closely with local partners to report and prevent violations, advocate for stronger laws and enforcement, and ensure survivors have a path to healing and empowerment.
Through grassroots mobilization and national policy work, we push for the legal age of marriage to be upheld, for zero tolerance on FGM, and for child protection systems that prioritize the voices and safety of girls. Every girl deserves to grow up free, safe, and full of possibility—and we are committed to building a future where her body, choices, and dreams are fully her own.
