Dr Leyla Sirad Hussein Gikandi OBE

1/9: A New Year's Reflection: Embracing Humanity in All Its Forms and a Call For Human Compassion. As the new year dawns, I'm in a reflective state, reevaluating the world around me, confronting realities I cannot ignore. #NewYearsReflection #Humanity"

One of the most gentle souls the genocide has brought into my life is Ahmed ShihabEldin, journalist of rare strength, integrity & compassion. US-born Kuwaiti citizen, Ahmed has been imprisoned by Kuwaiti authorities for his work since 3 March. Journalism is not a crime #FreeAhmed

Free #AhmedShihabEldin

Journalism is not a crime. Telling the truth should never cost someone their freedom. cpj.org/2026/04/cpj-ca…⁠� #AhmedShihabEldin #FreeAhmed #PressFreedom

Thank you so much for standing in solidarity with us. Your unwavering support and mentorship to survivors means more than words can express. We are truly grateful for the encouragement and guidance you continue to give. Happy #InternationalWomensDay

On this International Women’s Day 🌸, we celebrate the strength, courage, and leadership of survivors. Your voices are powerful. Your stories inspire change. Together, we continue to stand for a future where every girl grows up free from FGM/C and full of opportunity. #IWD2026

In Solidarity with all of you 🙏🏾💜

We took the time to understand the survivors' expectations in the room, which included learning about #FGM as a form of #SGBV, how to approach community leaders, the value of storytelling, and the importance of survivors’ leadership. The Girl Generation team set the stage with an introduction emphasizing care, the significance of check-in, creating a safe space, and self-care tips. #EndFGM #SurvivorCentered #MyPowerMyVoice2Lead #TheGirlGen

URGENT REQUEST Calling in my network. Are you connected to donors who support African artists , from poetry to photography, visual arts to performance? Particularly those already accepted into exhibitions but needing funding to bring the work to life. Please DM me. Thank U

God bless the Indigenous peoples of this land. Decolonisation has begun. Healing is coming. But there is no healing without justice, and no justice without acknowledging those whose existence was violated.

Care is not optional, it’s central. During the opening note on care, @LeylaHussein , @TheGirlGen's Global Advocacy Director, highlighted that how we collaborate,thoughtfully, safely, and with care is just as critical as the evidence we pass on. As we pass the torch of learning, leadership, and proof from TGG-ALM, centering care ensures that the movement to end FGM continues with dignity, respect, and impact. #ZTD2026 #EndFGM #SurvivorCentered #TheGirlGen #MyPowerMyVoice2Lead

Trump withdraws the US from UN-Habitat, headquartered in Kenya

And now you are here @sgikandi 😍

Watch the full lecture now on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/watch?v=LTsQW8…

Prophecy in motion as weapons refuse to prosper @LeylaHussein 💕 A powerful intention, oh Heavenly Creator of All 🙏☀️

We honour and celebrate survivor leadership at the heart of the movement to #EndFGM. This week, our team joined @AWRA_org + @FirebirdFoundation to co-facilitate healing and well-being sessions during the Sister-to-Sister Convening; a powerful space where 20 young grassroots leaders are transforming shared pain into collective power. Here’s to feminist care, rest, and leadership that sustains movements. #InvestDontRest

💜 “The Body Remembers” a powerful reminder that control over women’s bodies takes many forms. Earlier this year, our Global Advocacy Director, Dr. @LeylaHussein , joined the I am Nala Podcast to unpack how systems profit from women’s insecurities and why ending FGM is part of a bigger fight for bodily autonomy and equality. 🎧 Watch the full conversation on I am Nala Podcast or the link: i-am-nala.simplecast.com/episodes/the-b… #EndFGM #iamnalapodcast #MyPowerMyVoice #TheGirlGen

At the XIV International Conference on FGM in Madrid, experts explored how feminist & intercultural approaches can strengthen psychological support for women & girls affected by FGM. @LeylaHussein reminded the room: “Language matters: we should not fear saying it. Female genital mutilation is gender-based violence.” She added: “Violence against women is structural. The female body is under constant attack and, for Black women, their basic needs are not even in the debate.” Panelists also highlighted gaps in public services, the crucial role of NGOs, and the need for survivor-centred, culturally informed care. 💜 #EndFGM #TheGirlGen #SurvivorSupport #XIVJornadasMGF

Addressing the impact of FGM requires more than clinical support — it demands survivor-centred, feminist, and intercultural approaches. At this year’s #XIVJornadasMGF in Madrid, experts will unpack what effective psychological care truly looks like for survivors. @LeylaHussein , our Global Advocacy Director, will join the panel to share insights from the Africa-led movement and the realities survivors face across contexts. 🗓️ 18–19 Nov | Madrid (in-person & online) 👉 Register via unaf.org #EndFGM #SurvivorSupport #MentalHealth #TheGirlGen

FGM affects 230M+ women & girls globally , leaving lifelong physical & emotional scars. At #WHS2025 in Berlin, we joined global health leaders to call for urgent, coordinated action to treat FGM as a global health emergency. Our message was clear: ➡️ FGM is not a medical procedure — it’s violence. ➡️ Health systems must lead with urgency & survivor-centred care. ➡️ Prevention & support are not optional — they’re essential. Ending FGM is not just a human rights imperative — it’s a global health responsibility. #EndFGM #StopMedicalisationOfFGM #TheGirlGen #InvestToPrevent @OptionsinHealth @LeylaHussein