“FGM as an Issue of Women’s Impediment to the Eradication of FGM”
The discussion by Members of Thematic Session III
The third thematic session was focused on 4 main issues, which formed the basis for a highly participated debate)
1. FGM is a women’s right issue
2. FGM is a gender issue
3. FGM is a child protection issue
4. Medicalization is an impediment to the eradication of FGM
The working method used was to collect observations made by the group on the above issues, and then to came up with recommendations, which were presented to the plenary.
Observations
A. FGM as a Women’s right issue
Participants were briefly taken through an historical background on how the practice of FGM had been present for a long time in the distant past.
During the decade from 1970 to 1980 many advocates came on the scene educating communities on the harmful effects of FGM and developing the concept of FGM as harmful traditional practices. Therefore, communities eventually started turning towards medical personnel for circumcision.
In 1993, during the International Convention on human Rights, held in Vienna, the women’s movement made FGM a violation of women’s rights. Later the CRC (Convention of the rights of the child) championed for the rights of the child.
After this brief overview various presenters noted that:
- FGM is a violation of a woman’s reproductive rights
- It is a violation of the right to life and physical integrity
- The Cairo and Beijing International Conferences brought FGM to the forefront as a practice that violates human rights.
B. FGM as a Gender Issue
As for FGM as a gender issue, participants concluded that FGM reinforces gender inequalities, which is a major cause of domestic violence. Furthermore, it is a general belief that gender disparities in formal education also depend on the practice of FGM. Lastly, FGM also affects access to health services and this contributes to the high maternal mortality and morbidity.
C. FGM as a Child Protection Issue
This part of the discussion centred around the following questions:
1. Do we as parents have any right to make choices for our children?
2. Do children have rights?
Responding to these questions, participants discussed on some main points. In particular, they came to the conclusion that the child is not yours alone once outside the womb, she is also part of the society. This being so, parents cannot make harmful decision for their children, which often depend on a lack of right information. . Amongst others, a recommendation made by a child stressed the existence of children’s rights in most countries, and the importance of respecting the Law.
Indeed, children have not the possibility to take decisions independently, and despite they need tutors to do it on their behalf, these decisions should conform to the guidelines provided in the Children’s Act.
D. Medicalization as an Impediment to the Eradication of FGM
The most participated issue was, for sure, the possibility for FGM to be practised in a health structure.
By a show of hands it was evidenced that Medicalization of FGM is an issue in most countries. In view of the harmful consequences arising from the traditional type of FGM, a question was raised as to whether it was right then, to have the cut performed by medical professionals.
The audience was divided amongst those in favour and those against Medicalization
In favour the arguments raised were:
- It is safer and life saving complications are avoided
- Any meaningful change in eradication of FGM has to come gradually, step by step
- More harm is caused by allowing the practice to go underground (which will happen if it is stopped suddenly)
- There will be psychological satisfaction maintained for those undergoing the cut
- Some communities are so much in favour of circumcision that the practice cannot be stopped at once
- If FGM has to be done, it should only be done medically
Instead, other arguments against Medicalization were presented:
- Allowing Medicalization is like allowing a doctor to cut your finder because you do not want the arm to be cut. It is still mutilation
- The practice would still be traumatic to those undergoing it
- Medical professionals should not offer harmful services to their clients
- It creates confusion, and works against efforts to curb FGM. If health workers can do it, then it will be felt proper for others to continue the practice. It would be sending the write message to the girl- and eventually the practice would flourish again.
- A symbolic cut would indicate that we are liars
- Doctors are not available everywhere. What would happen in those places with no doctors?
- There is no known scientific benefit or health benefit of FGM.
Recommendations
A number of recommendations were presented as the main points raised after the discussion, which was, as we noted before, fully participated.
The recommendations state as follow:
1. Since the child is the most affected by FGM, we need to involve the participation of the child in all matters concerning FGM
2. There should be advocacy for countries to ratify (i.e. make an official approval of) the Maputo Protocol. And towards this:
a) There is need to start from the community level and work upwards in whatever is done
b) A participatory approach should be adopted in order to develop a sense of ownership and to guarantee sustainability
c) All African countries should ratify the Maputo Protocol
d) Regional bodies, e.g. EA Regional Assembly, should take drastic action against countries that do not ratify the Maputo Protocol by the end of the year 2004.
3. We should stop FGM from today, September 17th, 2004, and say NO to FGM!
4. Those countries that have not passed laws on FGM should quickly do so.
5. The Children’s Act should be enforced.
6. Networking between Government and community could be useful.
7. We should work towards eradication of FGM by involving everybody including (especially) the men. Men can be involved by informing them of how they will benefit if the practice is eradicated.
8. Take into account the changing faces of FGM, including Medicalization. It should be eradicated in all its forms. There should be no medicalization. Whether done in hospitals or elsewhere, it is still FGM and should therefore stop.
9. Identify ways of disseminating the useful information to all, including the illiterate communities.
10. Provide a safe haven to those girls who, because of refusing to undergo the practice, are rejected by their families and communities.
11. Medical workers should stop medicalization, and stiffer penalties should be given to any that are found practicing FGM.
12. Pregnant women who have undergone FGM should be referred to health facilities for delivery.
13. It is worth developing viable monitoring tools on the practice of FGM.
14. Strengthen the capacity of persons at the grass root level to enable them to spread awareness on FGM.
15. FGM should be regarded as a public health problem.
16. Community leaders (chiefs and assistant chiefs) should be assisted to advocate the eradication of FGM.
17. We should demand the commitment of our leaders in Government (Ministers, MPs-down to the chiefs).
18. Fight against poverty, in addition to FGM (as those practising it usually do it for economic gain).
19. Sensitize the judiciary to handle cases of FGM more seriously.
20. Sensitize the media to give more coverage on issues of FGM.
21. Sensitize the children on their rights and provide them with sexual education.
22. Women to accept and love the way they were created and avoid alterations to their bodies.
23. Through research identify root causes of the problem and address those.
24. A door-to-door approach (or dialogue) should be tried.
25. Women have to support one another.
26. There should be a budgetary commitment by Governments.
27. Issues on FGM and Gender in general should be incorporated in medical schools and other schools’ curricula, in all countries.
28. Countries should develop specific FGM activities, and these should be integrated into all development programmes.
29. Delegates from the conference should talk to people outside, concerning FGM.
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