24 May 2016 - NPWJ News Digest on FGM & women's rights

Articles

Former Refugee Fights For Her Dream To Abolish Female Genital Mutilation In Somalia
By Huffington Post , 24 May 2016

Somalia could soon pass legislation that bans all forms of female genital mutilation (FGM), thanks in part to Ifrah Ahmed, a former refugee and Irish national who returned to Somalia to campaign for its eradication. Somalia has the highest rate of female genital mutilation in the world, with an estimated 95 percent of girls cut between the ages of four and 11. If passed, a bill to ban the practice, currently being reviewed by the country’s religious leaders and its cabinet, would mean parents could be prosecuted for circumcising their daughters. Ifrah Ahmed, who has battled serious opposition from conservative members of the community in her effort to push the issue to the top of the government agenda, says the bill would be a huge step for women’s rights in Somalia. While on a recent trip to London, she told Women and Girls Hub she’s hopeful the legislation could be passed as soon as the end of this year.

Continua

Nigeria: Obasanjo Advocates National Legislation to End Female Genital Mutilation
by All Africa, 24 May 2016

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a national legislation against female genital mutilation. Mr. Obasanjo made the appeal in his keynote address delivered on his behalf by Femi Majekodunmi, a medical doctor, at the International Summit on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan on Monday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit was organised by the Circumcision Descendants Association of Nigeria (Oloola). FGM comprises all procedures that intentionally and specifically alter or cause injury to female genital organ. Mr. Obasanjo described FGM as a heinous crime against womanhood, the community and humanity He said FGM was a deeply rooted practice in Africa, Middle East and Asia where over 200 million girls and women were affected and more than three million girls were estimated to be at risk annually. "A degradation of one is degradation of all; FGM has no known benefits, it is known to be harmful to girls and women in many ways. "It is a violation of the rights of women and young girls who have no say on the matter," he said.

Continua

Trinidad and Tobago Reconsiders Marriage Act After Push to Recognise Child Marriage as Abuse
By Global Voices, 24 May 2016

Trinidad and Tobago is a society of contradictions: just about a year ago, the legal age of sexual consent was raised from 16 to 18, even as an archaic law — the Marriage Act of 1923 — remained on the books, citing the legal age for marriage as 12 for girls and 14 for boys. Child marriage is sometimes practiced in the country's Muslim and Hindu communities — and certain religious leaders seem intent on holding onto it. Earlier this week, Brother Harrypersad Maharaj, the leader of the Inter-Religious Organisation (IRO), a group that brings together representatives from the country's diverse religious groups and claims to “speak to the Nation on matters of social, moral and religious concern”, said that the state should not amend the Marriage Act because “age did not determine maturity”. Maharaj added that the IRO members’ stance on the matter was unanimous. He was supported by Shouter Baptist Archbishop Barbara Burke, who said that the IRO would vigourously fight governmental interference in the Muslim and Hindu Marriage Acts. She did acknowledge, however, that only 18 representatives of the country's 25 religious denominations were present at the meeting.

Continua

Can the UN stop violence against women and girls?
By Aljazeera, 24 May 2016

 Since it was formed in 2010, UN Women has carried the mandate of promoting gender equality and women's empowerment across the globe. Success has been mostly patchy for an agency that must navigate social and cultural barriers and the sensitivities of member states. Critics say that its focus on running high-level campaigns and building partnerships is insufficient and misguided when, for half of the world's population, economic and social equality remains an elusive dream. Almost 40,000 girls are child brides today. Rape, harassment and sexual violence, by state and non-state actors, remains a weapon of choice in conflicts worldwide - one even United Nations peacekeepers stand accused of wielding. Al Jazeera asked Lakshmi Puri, the deputy executive director of UN Women, what her organisation is doing to improve the plight of the world's women. Al Jazeera: Name five challenges facing women today. Lakshmi Puri: I would say the discrimination, inequality and violence that women face on a persistent basis. For women around the world, without any exception, [this] is the No 1 challenge. The other challenge is social and cultural norms that really hold back gender equality, women's empowerment and the full realisation of women's human rights. Changing this is really critical, [so is] the project of changing social norms, gender stereotypes and gendered roles. We need men and boys on our side and to be partners, getting men and boys to give up their position of privilege. Cutting across this is the role of the state.

Continua

Three convicted of female genital mutilation should go to jail, court told
By The Guardian, 20 May 2016

Lawyer for Shia Muslim sect followers given minimum 11-month custodial sentence wants house arrest but prosecutor argues for general deterrence. Three followers of a Shia Muslim sect convicted in Sydney of female genital mutilation offences should receive jail time rather than home detention in order to deter others, a court has heard. In March the followers – a mother who can’t be named, midwife Kubra Magennis and Dawoodi Bohra sect community leader Shabbir Mohammedbhai Vaziri – were each handed a minimum 11-month custodial sentence. The mother’s two daughters had their genitals cut or nicked in separate procedures in 2009 and 2012 when both were aged under 10, the court found. However, the trio was referred for assessment for home detention and on Friday returned to the NSW supreme court, where their barrister, Robert Sutherland SC, advocated for house arrest.

Continua