Female Genital Mutilation Day

NEWS COMMENTARY ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION DAY

February 6, marks International day on ‘Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation’ FGM.  The objective of the day is to call international, regional, national and community attention to efforts needed to free women and girls from the adverse effects of FGM. The day is also to accelerate actions towards its total elimination. FGM refers to any practice that involves partial or total removal or alteration of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organisation has estimated that about one hundred and thirty to one hundred forty millions girls and women in the world have undergone FGM and about three million women and girls are at risks of being subjected to mutilation every year.  The problem is a world-wide one due to migration. The practice is prevalent in twenty-eight African countries including Ghana. In the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and parts of Volta Regions of this country, the practice is common. 

FGM is practiced across the country in areas where indigenes of the practicing ethnic communities have settled.  In Ghana however, people still find it difficult to believe that FGM is practiced. UNICEF`S Multiple Indicator Cluster, 2011, indicates that the prevalence rate in the country stands at four percent.  The consequences of FGM cover a wide range of health issues among which are increased risks in maternal and reproductive health, child birth complications, difficulties in menstruation and urinating, risk of contracting tetanus, infertility, HIV and AIDS and mental health. FGM has been recognised as a serious form of violence against women and girls coupled with other social and psycho-sexual, consequences. One may ask, in this era of globalisation why people should still hold on to such a gruesome practice that is injurious and has no benefit at all to the female?  Some people believe it is a tradition passed on to them by their ancestors of which they cannot let go. Others say it is a religious requirement and in certain quarters, FGM is to prevent girls from becoming promiscuous. African traditional settings are such that women have been brought up to suffer quietly and not to complain about their discomfort, distress and depression. There is no doubt that for many years women have suffered far more than discomforts arising from mutilation of their genitals. Their traditional silence over their own personal welfare is as a result of lack of knowledge about health matters in general and sex education in particular.  In many instances where a child dies because of FGM complications, the parents do not accuse the practitioners. Such deaths are generally accepted as the will of God. Though many women around the world today, disapprove of the practice on grounds of the violation of human rights, violation of the image of the woman, mental problems and primitive tradition, the practice is still going on. 

The Inter-Africa Committee - IAC on harmful traditional practices against women and children have come out with the theme for this year celebration, "mobilization and involvement of health personnel to accelerate zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation". One wonders whether the day is even recognised in Ghana. At the 67th UN General Assembly section in 2012, a resolution was adopted banning FGM worldwide. This is an indication that the problem is a global one. Ghana is lucky to have instituted a law banning the practice of FGM. But how effective is the law and how many people are even aware of it. The Ghanaian Association for Women`s Welfare – GAWW, has been on the fore-front towards the elimination of FGM. The organisation has however not received any recognition from any quarters in the country.  That notwithstanding, GAWW still plays a leading role and must be recommended.  FGM is a violation of women`s right and should be condemned and treated with all the seriousness it deserves. 

Africa is a land of rich culture. It abounds with cultural beliefs and traditions, some are good but many are harmful, especially to our women and children. The good cultural norms we can retain and improve upon, but the bad ones like FGM must be stopped, after all culture is dynamic. So the keyword to FGM control is education. Chiefs, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, women and men` groups must be targeted. The youth should play a leading role here so that there must be a cut over. Reducing child mortality and improving maternal health cannot be achieved  if serious attention is not paid to FGM.  As we mark the day let us not forget that FGM is still with us and all hands must be on deck to eradicate it.

BY:  EUNICE MAASODONG, A JOURNALIST.