The international community recently observed the first International Day against Female Genital Mutilation.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genital organs whether for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons is a barbaric act to womanhood. The practice violates the basic rights of women and girls and seriously compromises their health, posing risks during childbirth and leaving lasting physical and psychological scars.
Estimated statistics from the United Nations reveal that 120 to 140 million women have been subjected to the practice and three million girls continue to be at risk each year. Disturbingly, about 6.000 new cases of FGM are experienced every day, giving a ratio of about five girls every minute. Worthy is the fact that International organisations have not folded their arms to these cruel acts against women. Reason why the United Nations designed 06th February, as the international day against female Genital Mutilation in order to raise awareness amongst the general public about this cold-blooded act. It is however regrettable that the practice of FGM is still widespread in spite of a global commitment following the 2002 UN special session on children to end FGM by 2010.
Despite growing concern, some countries still find it difficult to have official statistics on the act. In Cameroon for example, experts from the county’s ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Family, say it is difficult to have statistics on the practice of FGM; given that those who practice it do so in hiding while victims of FGM are usually ashamed and afraid to testify in public due to traditional threats from kinsmen, stigmatisation etc. Nonetheless, a UN report estimates that about 20 per cent of women in the country go through a form of FGM called infibulations which occurs in certain areas of the south west and
Suzanne Mbomback, the country’s minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, used the occasion to condemn the practice and underscored government’s commitment to respect and protect the rights of its citizens. On this score, the minister urged all to join in the fight against the barbaric act. The day was characterised by debates and film projections against the practice of FGM.
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2 comments:
Very Bad practice.These need to stoped
Bad practice indeed. It is called FGM because the whiteman doesn't like it. I do not support it but there is enough evidence out there to refute the claims made by all these organizations. Women who have been circumcised have normal sexual life. What should be promoted is the safe practising of the act of FGM.
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