“What the flag’s message of peace mean to me”
My name is Ifrah Ahmed and I’m a proud citizen of Ireland since 2013. For me, being Irish evokes a sense of welcome, a place where I am free, free to raise my voice.
I first started what is now a global campaign for Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) in Ireland in 2009. With the support of many organisations, politicians and an incredible team of volunteers, we steered the Irish FGM/C criminal justice bill to enactment in 2012. And it was with the assistance of Irish MEPs that I first gave my testimony to the European Commission in support of the ratification of the United Nations Convention on FGM/C.
As more and more immigrants who were not born in Ireland become citizens, the country has become markedly more multicultural and tolerant during the time I’ve been here. There is more inclusivity. For example, inviting me to write this article on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2019 is definitely a welcome development.
This year’s Women’s Day theme is ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change’. For me, equal opportunity for women requires a major global innovation. That is the elimination of a practice that effects 200 million women worldwide. One in twenty women globally, have undergone female genital mutilation. An issue close to my heart. And 35pc of women worldwide have experienced gender-based violence.
There are many issues close to my heart that have improved for women in Ireland over recent times, but there’s more to do. It makes me proud of my country and proud of our flag. A flag I actually wear during football matches, rugby matches and any occasion where Ireland is to be celebrated.
As much as our flag’s tricolor was intended to reconcile and even celebrate the then prevailing traditions of Ireland, we are now a country of many traditions. Indian, African and people of many other nations. So, for example when we celebrate African Day in Ireland in May as well as St Patrick’s Day world-wide with multicultural events, the Irish flag is prominent and waved with the flags of many other countries as a symbol of tolerance and peace.
Working with Irish activists and CSOs as well as Irish NGOs who are leading the global campaign against FGM/C worldwide, I am particularly conscious of the support Ifrah Foundation receives from Irish missions abroad.
I wish to see a world where women are respected and given equal opportunities. A world where women can live in peace, whether here at home in Ireland or elsewhere.