Published by participants in the  Certificate in Journalism program

of the African Virtual University-Indiana University of Pennsylvania Partnership.

The African Star

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More education on dangers of  female genital mutilation needed

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a painful and dangerous practice whereby part or all of the female child’s external genital are cut away. FGM is also known female circumcision, clitoridectomy, infibulation or female genital cutting. FGM is a set of procedures used to remove or cause injury to part or all of the external female genitals. 

It affects about a 130 million women in 28 African countries today, and is one of the world’s major public health problems. 90% of Somaliland women are affected by this act. The FGM is not practiced in Africa only countries like Europe, America and Asia, where people from African origin are settled and also practicing.

Women and girls of all ages are at risk for being genitally mutilated. However, girls between the age group 7 – 14 are more vulnerable and affected by this act in Somaliland.

FGM has not only immediate physical consequences but also has long term negative health impact on women. Immediate negative physical consequence like death, hemorrhage, shock, pain, infection, urine retention, injury, potential spread of HIV/AIDS and long term consequences like anemia, urinary track infection, trauma, kidney damage, reproductive track infection, permanent pain, painful sexual intercourse, problems in child birth and pregnancy. FGM not only has physical problems it has psychological problems too.

FGM is practiced as part of culture and tradition. People considered, uncircumcised women are unclear, circumcision makes her a woman, it ensures her chastity. Wrong interpretation of religion by the age old tradition is considered as one of the major cause for circumcision.

Proper education, community awareness and mobilization, involvement of religious leaders, Government, clan/tribe leaders and health service providers in the campaign against FGM is important to reduce the impact of the ill practice.