SIHA and GIZ Launch Training to Combat FGM and SGBV in Somalia and Somaliland

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), in partnership with GIZ, is launching a crucial capacity-building training program for state actors in Somalia and Somaliland. The initiative addresses the urgent require to strengthen responses to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the region.

Addressing a Critical Gap

Recent constitutional amendments and proposed legislative changes have unfortunately weakened legal protections for women and girls in Somalia and Somaliland. Despite this setback, the commitment to ending FGM and SGBV remains strong. FGM prevalence remains alarmingly high, affecting over 99% of women aged 15–49. Institutional responses are currently fragmented, lacking consistent application of constitutional and international human rights frameworks and effective, survivor-centered referral pathways.

Pre-Workshop Findings Highlight Key Needs

A pre-workshop survey of 17 state institutions – including those focused on Justice, Health, Education, Religious Affairs, Youth, Information, and Social Affairs – revealed significant gaps. These included limited legal literacy among state actors, misconceptions surrounding religious justifications for FGM, and a lack of coordination and accountability mechanisms. ReliefWeb details the findings that prompted this training initiative.

Training Objectives

The three-day training program, designed and delivered with support from a consultant, aims to:

• Strengthen understanding of zero-tolerance approaches to all forms of FGM.
• Enhance knowledge of national, regional, and international legal and human rights frameworks, including CEDAW, CRC, and the Maputo Protocol.
• Clarify institutional mandates and accountability mechanisms.
• Strengthen survivor-centered case handling and referral pathways.
• Increase confidence in applying rights-based and religiously grounded arguments against FGM and SGBV.
• Improve multi-sector coordination and internal advocacy skills.

Scope of Work for the Training Consultant

The selected consultant will be responsible for a four-phase process:

1. Phase 1: Review & Inception (2 days) – Reviewing survey findings and legal frameworks, and conducting an inception meeting with SIHA/GIZ, culminating in an inception note outlining methodology and training approach.
2. Phase 2: Training Design & Preparation (4 days) – Developing a comprehensive three-day training package, including a detailed agenda, PowerPoint presentations, a facilitation guide, case studies, group exercises, and pre- and post-training assessment tools.
3. Phase 3: Training Delivery (3 days) – Facilitating the participatory training workshop and administering assessments.
4. Phase 4: Reporting & Documentation (1 day) – Analyzing assessment results and producing a final report with a summary of proceedings, key findings, recommendations, participant feedback, and relevant annexes.

Consultant Requirements

SIHA and GIZ are seeking a consultant with:

• An advanced degree in Law, Gender Studies, Human Rights, Islamic Jurisprudence, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in gender justice, FGM/SGBV prevention, or legal reform.
• Demonstrated experience facilitating trainings for high-level government or state institutions.
• Strong knowledge of Somali legal frameworks and international human rights instruments.
• Experience integrating religious literacy and rights-based approaches.
• Excellent facilitation, analytical, and report-writing skills.

How to Apply

Interested consultants should submit their application materials by March 12, 2026, at 5pm (EAT). Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis. More information on the application process can be found on ReliefWeb.

The SIHA Network, as highlighted on their official website, is dedicated to advancing the rights and agency of women and girls in the Horn of Africa. This training program, in collaboration with GIZ, represents a significant step towards achieving that goal. SIHA Network’s Instagram provides further insights into their ongoing work in Somalia and the region.