Since
my campaign started, I have been asking men if they know what FGM is, and the
answer has usually been ‘’No idea’’. In Europe ,
wanting to be politically correct and not be seen to pick on other cultures has
actually delayed getting the message across to men of all races. The ‘it’s not
our place to talk about other people’s cultures attitude’ has let women down.
In contrast people have always known and talked about male circumcision which
of course is NOT a male equivalent, and should not be regarded as remotely
comparable.
In countries
that practise FGM, the event has always been seen as a ‘’rite of passage’ for marriage,
and defended on that count. In Tanzania for example, some men actually wait for
the return of women from initiation ceremonies and choose their brides before
they have even had the chance to shower, knowing very well what the women would
have gone through. Is it not time these men think of the pain and torture
inflicted on their fellow human beings in the name of tradition, and for the
purpose of male gratification?
Consider
this scenario. If boys who are circumcised were to have half their penis chopped
off as part of the procedure, would we have an outcry in the world?
Somebody
once said, “all that is needed for evil to prevail is that good men do nothing”.
So come on good men! Now is your chance to stand up and be counted! Join us in
our quest to end FGM !
It
is a crime and should end! Be man enough and help us end it!
By
Abigal Muchecheti