Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, announced today that it has recognized Jaha Dukureh for her exemplary work to end female genital mutilation– with The Daily Point of Light Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that work to tackle the unmet needs of their community through volunteer action.

Dukureh herself is a survivor of FGM and the founder of Safe Hands for Girls, the only grassroots organization against FGM in the United States. “I started Safe Hands for Girls because as a survivor of FGM, I know how hard it was for us having to deal with it alone. And I knew I needed to speak up and support other survivors. It was very important for me to break the taboo and culture of silence.”

Dukureh has been instrumental in awakening public interest in the campaign against FGM in the United States. Her work includes national media outreach and formidable campaign work that preceded the passage of the Girls’ Protection Act of 2010, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Crowley.

The United Nations is expected to commend her work in an official statement today, in honor of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

Dukureh, who is working to create a world where young women and girls will never again face the risks of any form of genital mutilation and its harmful effects, also launched a petition on Change.org that currently has more than 220,000 signatories. Says Dukureh, “women's empowerment is allowing women to enjoy their God given rights to sexuality, health and freedom. We were born free and perfect.” Her work has directly saved 31 girls from enduring FGM.

About the Award: 
Originating from the White House in 1989 during George H.W. Bush’s presidency, this award has celebrated the power of more than 5,000 volunteers or volunteer efforts that spark change and improve the world through community service. In a report to the nation on his efforts to engage Americans in service, Bush called these volunteers “points of light,” stating, “Points of Light are the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to touch the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, care and friendship. By giving so generously of themselves, these remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become.”

About Points of Light 
Points of Light - the largest organization in the world dedicated to volunteer service - mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages more than 4 million volunteers in 30 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it matters most. For more information, go to www.pointsoflight.org. To learn more about the Daily Point of Light Award, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight.

About Safe Hands for Girls
Safe Hands for Girls is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting girls and women from the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and offering support services for victims. Get involved at www.safehandsforgirls.org

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

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