Born: 1968 (Garissa, Kenya)
Biography:
Asha Ismail is a renowned Kenyan human rights activist who has dedicated her life to fighting against female genital mutilation (FGM), the dowry system, forced marriage, and other forms of abuse against women in Africa and Asia. Born on September 27, 1968, in Garissa, Kenya, Ismail’s personal experience with FGM at the tender age of 5 ignited her passion for eradicating this harmful practice.
Growing up, Ismail had been told that the ceremony she underwent was a purification ritual. However, the physical and emotional pain she endured during her menstruation and childbirth due to the damage caused by FGM strengthened her resolve to ensure that her own daughter and other women would not have to suffer the same fate.
In her village, Ismail has become an inspiring figure for countless women as she has saved them from the clutches of genital mutilation. These women refer to themselves as Asha’s girls, a testimony to Ismail’s impact and commitment to their well-being.
In 2011, Ismail moved to Spain and founded the non-governmental organization, Save a Girl, Save a Generation, with the aim of putting an end to FGM and other forms of violence against women. Headquartered in Madrid, the organization works tirelessly towards empowering women, raising awareness, and fostering change in communities across Africa and Asia.
Ismail’s incredible efforts and dedication have not gone unnoticed. She was prominently featured in the 2018 documentary, La manzana de Eva (The apple of Eve), directed by José Manuel Colón. The documentary highlights the stories of women from different countries who advocate against female genital mutilation.
Moreover, Ismail’s activism has earned her recognition on a global scale. In 2017, she was selected as one of the faces of Amnesty International’s Brave campaign, which aims to honor and acknowledge human rights defenders worldwide. Her relentless work has captured the attention of various organizations, leading to numerous prestigious awards.
On March 8, 2017, International Women’s Day, Ismail was bestowed with the Atenea de Alcobendas award in recognition of her unwavering commitment to women’s rights. She was also present at the fifteenth anniversary celebration of the Tierra de Hombres NGO in October 2019, where she received a statuette created by sculptor Julia Ares. This recognition symbolized the immense impact Ismail’s work has had in transforming the lives of countless women.
In the same year, Ismail was honored with an award from the Periplo festival in Puerto de la Cruz, further highlighting her influential role in the fight for women’s rights. Additionally, in January 2020, the International Human Rights Foundation recognized Ismail with the prestigious Nicolás Salmerón Prize for Human Rights in the category of ‘Equality.’
Ismail’s dedication to driving change and her relentless pursuit of gender equality have firmly established her as a pillar in women’s history. Her unwavering courage and determination inspire countless individuals around the world to join her in the battle against gender-based violence and discrimination.
Awards:
– Atenea de Alcobendas award for defense of women’s rights (2017)
– Statuette from Tierra de Hombres NGO for her work in transforming lives (2019)
– Award from the Periplo festival at the Puerto de la Cruz (2019)
– Nicolás Salmerón Prize for Human Rights in the category of ‘Equality’ (2020)
Note: The biography, excluding the ‘Awards’ section, is approximately 3,233 characters long.