Abay

This story comes from CARE, a humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.

It tells the story of Abay, an inspiring young Ethiopian woman who rebelled against her tribe’s tradition of female muilation and has now changed the customs of the tribe.

“Abay was born into a culture in which girls are circumcised before age 12. When it came time for her circumcision, Abay said, ‘No,’ and ran away to live with a sympathetic godfather.

“Eight years later, Abay returned to her village, and began work as a station agent for CARE, supervising the opening of a primary school and a health clinic and the construction of a well.

“After five years, she finally convinced one of the women to let her film a circumcision ceremony.

“She showed the film to the male leaders. They had never seen a female circumcision and were horrified.

“Two weeks later, the male leaders called a special meeting and voted to end female circumcision in their village." 

For more information about Abay, visit this link at CARE.