Let us
declare war on FGM
By
Zuhur Yassin Ibrahim--Somaliland
FGM (Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting) is
no stranger to many by now. It has been an issue discussed in national and
international arenas. The United Nations has even set the 6th of
February as the International Anti FGM day. Even though this harmful
practice is talked about and its affects are known to young and old it seems
the way to eradicating it is moving very slow in Somaliland. Studies have
shown that countries like Senegal has proved that it is possible to cut the
FGM practice by percentages. What makes Somaliland different?
Today FGM/C affects almost 95+ of the
girl/women population of Somaliland. It affects start from the day the girl
child is circumcised. She faces problems all through her life; during child
birth, infections and sometimes death. Then why would this practice
continue? Lack of information is one of the problems. Circumcised women are
preferred for marriage; uncircumcised women are regarded as unclean. People
believe that this practice is safe for the girl and is part of the religion
which is far from the truth.
A major behavior change needs to be made.
Most of the discussions regarding FGM are not based on grassroots level
where the practice is taking place. Constant information, messages should be
on billboards, newspapers, radio- the media. Solutions should come from the
communities and families themselves and not from the heads of organization.
If FGM/C needs to be a problem of the past
multi lateral efforts needs to be made. The government should play a vital
role if FGM/C needs to be eradicated. Policies and law should be passed by
the parliament, another option of work needs to be given to FGM/C
practitioners so that they will have a different job to get their income
from, parents should be educated on this harmful practice and most important
Islamic leaders need to teach and inform the people about the Islamic point
of view.