Shudufhadzo “Shudu” Musida, former Miss South Africa, has launched a powerful campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision. The practice, which involves the removal or cutting off of parts of the female genitalia, is often part of certain initiation processes in some cultures. However, Shudufhadzo’s focus is clear—she is not campaigning against the initiation process itself, but against the harmful and barbaric act of FGM.
A few days ago, Shudu shared her commitment to ending FGM on her Instagram page. She announced her appointment as the United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) Global Champion for Women and Girls and expressed how honoured she was to take on the responsibility.
“I am honoured to be appointed United Nations Population Fund’s Global Champion for Women and Girls,” she wrote. “Having worked with UNFPA over the past two years, I’ve witnessed first-hand the incredible work being done to advance gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and mental well-being. I’ve travelled across East and Southern Africa, meeting remarkable individuals and hearing powerful stories of resilience and change.”
Shudu’s first campaign in this role is focused on putting an end to FGM, which has affected over 230 million women and girls worldwide. She called it an act of violence and a violation of women’s rights, dignity, and bodily autonomy.
“FGM is an act of violence against women — a violation of their rights, their dignity, and their bodily autonomy,” Shudufhadzo continued. “Today, on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we reaffirm our commitment to ending this practice and ensuring that every girl can grow up free from harm.”
She also expressed hope for the future, stating, “We live in a world where women and girls are still denied the right to make decisions about their bodies, their health, and their futures. But despite the challenges, I choose to believe in hope, action, and change. For every barrier to progress, there are people — organisations, activists, communities — who refuse to stop fighting for a better future.”
Shudufhadzo is determined to keep pushing for change. “Now more than ever, we must continue the work, amplify the voices that need to be heard, and stand together to create a world where every woman and girl has the right to safety, dignity, and opportunity,” she said.
In her Instagram post, she also highlighted the alarming statistics of FGM: “Every year more than 4 million girls are subjected to the harmful, painful and often very dangerous practice of FGM. It is thought that more than 200 million women and girls globally have undergone the procedure.”
On the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Shudufhadzo reiterated her campaign’s goal to end the practice by 2030, reinforcing her commitment to this vital cause.
