Trinity College Dublin recently honored Somali‑Irish activist Ifrah Ahmed with an honorary degree, recognizing her commitment to ending female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and her broader work in social justice. The ceremony, held in the historic Public Theatre, also celebrated other distinguished recipients, but Ahmed’s story stands out for its personal resilience, policy impact, and international reach.
Recognising Trailblazers at Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College has a long tradition of granting honorary degrees to individuals who make significant contributions to society. The University of Dublin uses the award to highlight footsteps that inspire students, faculty, and the wider community. In 2025, four recipients — Ahmed, Mei Lin Yap, Pietro Perona, and Kathy Prendergast — were presented with honorary doctorates that reflect achievements in activism, disability advocacy, computer science, and contemporary art.
Ifrah Ahmed: From Survivor to Advocacy Leader
Ahmed arrived in Dublin in 2006 after fleeing the Somali civil war. Before moving, she survived FGM/C as a child, an experience that fueled her lifelong commitment to protecting women and girls. By joining community organisations in Ireland, Ahmed built a network of activists and policymakers, culminating in Ireland’s 2012 law banning FGM/C. Her grassroots campaigns leveraged the power of storytelling, data, and public pressure to bring about legislative change.
Key Milestones in Ahmed’s Journey
- 2006 – Relocation to Dublin, integration into Irish civil society
- 2010 – Public testimony at the United Nations, becoming the first Somali‑Irish woman to speak on FGM/C globally
- 2012 – Successful advocacy leads to national ban on FGM/C in Ireland
- 2014 – Launch of the Ifrah Foundation, concentrating on gender‑based violence prevention in both Ireland and Somalia
- 2021 – Dear Daughter Campaign brings over 100,000 pledges ensuring protection for future generations
The Dear Daughter Campaign: A Data‑Driven Approach
Launched in partnership with UNFPA Somalia, the Dear Daughter Campaign invites parents and carers to pledge their commitment to preventing FGM/C. The initiative combines education, community outreach, and a digital pledge platform that tracks progress. To date, the campaign has received more than 100,000 pledges, a concrete indicator that individual accountability can scale up to societal change.
Explore how similar pledge campaigns can be adopted in your region: Trinity College Dublin website.
Expanding Impact Through Partnership and Knowledge Sharing
Ahmed’s work spans two continents. In Somalia, she works on projects that support community leaders, train local volunteers, and coordinate with UN agencies. Across Ireland, her foundation engages schools, faith groups, and health organisations to provide education on bodily autonomy and human rights. Her dual focus demonstrates that local action can contribute to global outcomes.
Training Community Activists
Under Ahmed’s guidance, the Ifrah Foundation trained more than 665 local activists who now operate in various Somali regions. These activists run workshops, counseling sessions, and public presentations, creating a network of grassroots defenders that echoes the originally measured policy changes at the national level.
Honoring Broader Contributions at Trinity
The other honorary recipients represent diverse sectors that align with Trinity’s mission. Mei Lin Yap’s advocacy for intellectual disability rights showcases inclusion; Pietro Perona’s innovations in computer vision provide tools for biodiversity research; Kathy Prendergast’s art critiques socioeconomic migration and identity. Together, they form a cohort that extends beyond traditional academia into civic engagement, technology, and culture.
Why Trinity Highlights These Figures
Each award underscores the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary impact. By spotlighting professionals who amplify voices that often go unheard, Trinity encourages its academic community to pursue social relevance alongside scholarly excellence.
How the Honorary Degree Enhances Advocacy Efforts
Receiving an honorary doctorate not only validates Ahmed’s personal achievements but also provides institutional support. The recognition increases her visibility among lawmakers, private donors, and international NGOs, helping secure funding and access to platforms that amplify her message. Furthermore, the diploma allows her to mentor university students and scholars who are interested in gender-rights activism.
Leveraging the Degree for Advocacy Training
The ceremony included a special session where Ahmed addressed students and faculty on the tactical aspects of campaigning. Topics ranged from policy lobbying to digital storytelling. The training material is now available as a free downloadable guide on the Ifrah Foundation website, enabling others to replicate successful advocacy methods in their own communities.
Staying Engaged with FGM/C Prevention Initiatives
While Ahmed’s work receives formal recognition, her everyday advocacy remains indispensable. Stakeholders interested in fostering similar movements can join her in raising awareness, supporting research, and funding educational programmes. For instance, local NGOs can partner with universities to incorporate FGM/C topics into curricula or community outreach projects.
Learn how you can contribute to FGM/C prevention: Trinity College Dublin research initiatives.
Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey to End FGM/C
Ifrah Ahmed’s honorary degree symbolizes a broader fight against gender-based violence and a tribute to the power of personal narrative in influencing public policy. By championing education, cross‑cultural dialogue, and empowerment, she demonstrates that systemic change is attainable when individuals, institutions, and governments collaborate. Trinity College Dublin’s acknowledgment not only celebrates her past contributions but also signals the university’s continued investment in global human‑rights work.
To find out more about Trinity’s programs and how you can support initiatives against FGM/C, contact the university’s outreach office or visit their website. Engage in the conversation, donate, or volunteer – every action contributes to a future where women and girls are freed from harmful practices.
