Storytelling is a powerful tool in the fight to end FGM. In East London, community members are using it to have breakthrough conversations and explore ways of stopping FGM in their area.

For the past 16 years, we’ve seen the impact they have on the lives of women, families, and communities around the world.

“Maternity waiting homes make childbirth safer by making sure you have the caring hands of a midwife, near no matter what time you go into labour.” This is the message broadcast across the radio airwaves in Amhara, Ethiopia.

“Talking about changing a culture - that’s huge. Families often don’t talk about certain things that happen in the home. In many households, taboo issues such as FGM and sexual abuse are not discussed. Instead they are often swept under the rug. It’s time we lifted the rug.”

We’re building the skills of health workers like Yeshareg to encourage women living at a distance from health centres to visit a maternity waiting home before labour starts.

“I came here to receive support and reduce any birth risks including bleeding.” explains 35 year old and new mother Haymanot.

In Ethiopia, our project “Labour at the Last Mile” has changed lives by providing pregnant women in hard-to-reach areas with safe motherhood information and by building community support.