"When I was a teenager and on my path to
becoming woman, it was for me a very tough time. I had physical pain and also
psychological pain. I felt that I would never become a woman, because I had
something missing, and I wasn’t worth it. Because cutting me was telling
me that I am not good enough." Inna Moja from Mali
Female
genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or
injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized
internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
International Day of Zero Tolerance to
Female Genital Mutilation is a UN-sponsored awareness day that takes place February 6 each year
since 2003. This day is a part of a combined effort by the UN to meet one of
its “Sustainable Development Goals, which the elimination of FGM is a key
target under Goal 5.It is an effort to make the world aware of female
genital mutilation
(FGM) and to promote its eradication. One of the beliefs in support for this
day acknowledges that culture is in “constant flux,” where practices which are
found harmful must be promptly abolished. This is a movement for the rights of
women and their bodies, as well as the protection of their physical health-
which can be tremendously affected later in life. These efforts are to benefit
actions fighting violence against women and girls as a whole. Although
primarily concentrated in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a
universal problem and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin
America in some European countries e.g. amongst immigrant populations living in
Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand
Globally,
it is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have
undergone some form of FGM and that every year, around 3million girls and women
are at risk according to World
Health Organization .This is a practice which has been
carried out for thousands of years. It is a deeply embedded social norm that is
done because it always has been. It is often considered a religious practice
yet none of the popular religious dominations of these victims (Christianity
and Islam) prescripts FGM. It is considered essential for marriage, preparation
for womanhood, enhance the appearance of female genitals and to curb
promiscuity. Africa is leading the way in ending FGM. More and more
communities, leaders, and policy makers are driving a movement to end it.
Various activities and events are held on February
6 each year to promote raise awareness and educate people about the dangers of
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Public conferences and forums often feature
FGM survivors who are invited to share their personal experiences. Other
activities include photo essays and round-table discussions on making policies
and laws to end FGM, social media activism.
No tolerance to FGM is not just based on medical
precautions, but as a way to protest the misogyny against females. Formal UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said “it reflects deep-rooted inequality between
the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and
girls,” in reference to the practice of FGM.
The health risks are numerous. High risk of
contracting human immunodeficiency virus(HIV),
reduced frequency or absence of orgasm (anorgasmia)increased risk of difficult
labour, painful sex, chronic reproductive tract infections, urinary tract
infection, caesarean sections, experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, or a
recourse to episiotomy, and psychological consequences such as post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders and depression., and, painful
urination, menstrual problems, keloids and a violation to the right to life
when the procedure results in death.
Stella Obasanjo,
the First Lady of Nigeria
and spokesperson for the Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation,
made the official declaration on "Zero Tolerance to FGM"
On February 6, 2003, in Africa during a conference organized by the Inter-African
Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children (IAC). Then the UN Sub-Commission on Human
Rights adopted this day as an international awareness day. UNICEF
increased its budget to nearly $91 million in efforts towards ending FGM.
In
2003, the Maputo Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
on the Rights of Women in Africa was a huge step towards protecting the rights
of women in Africa.
Traditional
and religious authorities have played a key part in the reduction of this ill.They
have a firmer influence on the population than most advocating actors
Fahma Mohamed at 17years together with her
colleagues at Bristol, used their resources and voices to protest against FGM .The
young girls went to measures as deep as coming face to face with the ones who
cut them, to confronting their fathers/authority, to petitioning using
resources such as Change.Org.
The First
Lady of Burkina Faso, Chantal Compaore, played a vital role in driving the UN
resolution and has been dedicated to ending FGM in her country for over 20
years.
The world at large has gotten involved in this
activism. The impact so far is amazing and efforts are being made to make a
more permanent recognition and proclamation of zero tolerance for the persisting
epidemic of FGM.
However, the practice still persists. Some people are
still ignorant about the implications of this practice while others continue
deliberately arguing that traditions and customs should not be changed, and
others saying that it’s a noble means of livelihood.
Like every effort consistency is key. Do not
minimize a voice, you might just save a life. Lets all stand united in action
at our different levels. Spread the word.
