Despite the fact that FGM causes pain and suffering
to millions of women and girls and can be life-threatening, it remains deeply
entrenched in certain social value systems.
Changing this reality to bring about positive and
protective social behaviour requires a holistic and integrated approach with harmonized
programmes of action to achieve the common goal of Zero Tolerance to FGM.
Four areas of action could be to inform and train
health professionals, to treat and refer women having been subjected to
mutilations, and prevent possible mutilation of girls born in our country,
especially through regular information to gynaecologists, paediatricians and
school nurses.
In this endeavour, political will and action are
indispensable. Governments have to be fully engaged and must allocate the
necessary human and material resources to the complete elimination of FGM and other
harmful traditional practices (HTPs).
Many States have passed legislation prohibiting
female genital mutilation, but what about enforcement? We are still a long way
from achieving effective implementation.
In addition we should not rule out the practitioners
/ excisors themselves.
They are women of a certain status and knowledge in
their country. Women listen to them, they advise wives on their sexual
relations with their husband, on household matters, on co-wives, etc. We cannot
simply reject these practitioners and say that they are of no value or that
they are murderers. We have to reason with them and explain to them that female
genital mutilation inflicts pains and can even kill. We have to explain to them
that they could divert their knowledge to something more constructive.
Modern and traditional media are also important
actors and can play a major role in the fight against
FGM.
Remember you can do your bit.
Say no to the horrific practice that dehumanises women and children.
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