Sunday, July 6, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

Rallying men and boys in the fight against female genital mutilation

by UG STANDARD EDITOR | UG STANDARD EDITORIAL
06/02/2023
in News
Reading Time: 3 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Dorcas Chelain in her hometown of Amudat District, following a drama performance illustrating the ills of FGM and advocating to end the practice. Photo: Communication for Development Foundation Uganda/Anne Gamurorwa Dorcas Chelain in her hometown of Amudat District, following a drama performance illustrating the ills of thfemale genital mutilation and advocating to end the practice. Photo: Communication for Development Foundation Uganda/Anne Gamurorwa
Dorcas Chelain in her hometown of Amudat District, following a drama performance illustrating the ills of female genital mutilation (FGM) and advocating to end the practice (PHOTO/Communication for Development Foundation Uganda/Anne Gamurorwa)

“Everything that can harm must be fought.” Babani Sidi Mohamad first heard about female genital mutilation when he was 14 years old.

His sisters had undergone the practice, but when he asked why, they didn’t know – they were too young at the time to understand what was happening to them.

Related posts

Rtd General Mugisha Muntu addressing the gathering at Uganda Law Society headquarters on Thursday.

Ugandans should take a lead role towards the country’s peaceful transition

04/07/2025
158
Hon. Haruna Kasolo (seated middle) with other individuals who accompanied him at NRM offices in Kyadondo on Thursday.

Minister Kasolo nominated for NRM Vice Chairperson, Buganda Region

03/07/2025
210
The accused persons in court today.

Vandalism of Electricity Equipments: 17 charged with terrorism

02/07/2025
195

Looming unemployment: Farmers, Residents in shock as NEMA boss orders the demolition of multi million chicken farm

30/06/2025
329

Almost 65 per cent of Mauritanian women and girls, aged 15 to 49, have been subjected to female genital mutilation, although it has been officially banned since 2017. An estimated three out of every four infant girls are still being forced to undergo it today.

As UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem said on the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, this is a practice “rooted in gender inequality and power imbalances, an act of gender-based violence that harms girls’ bodies, dims their futures, and endangers their lives.”

Yet too often it is seen – even trivialized – as a “women’s issue”. Not only are women and girls subjected to genital mutilation, but in many cultures it is women who traditionally perform it. In fact, the practice is the product of entrenched and unequal gender norms, matters which women and girls cannot address alone. This year, the number of those experiencing female genital mutilation is actually expected to increase as conflict, climate change, rising poverty and inequality hinder efforts to eliminate this harmful practice and the deep discrimination that drives it.

To effectively counter female genital mutilation, men and boys must become allies – not only in efforts to abandon the practice but also to redress gender power imbalances more broadly.

Mr. Mohamad became one such ally. Seeing the pain and trauma female genital mutilation caused around him, he launched an organization to raise awareness in spaces where others, including men, would listen, such as mosques and at neighbouring village gatherings.

Millions of girls still face the threat of mutilation
Over the last five years, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme has supported more than 3,000 initiatives calling on men and boys to become active advocates, convince their peers and speak up in solidarity with women and girls. In Kenya alone, some 50 networks totalling over 43,000 men and boys are now lobbying against this brutal and illegal violation of human rights.

Marie Gomez is a divisional commissioner with the police in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, a country in which an estimated 95 percent of women and girls have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Mr. Gomez works with Sylla Amara, from the Office for the Protection of Gender, Children, and Morals, created in 2009 and supported by UNFPA, to enforce a 2018 law against the practice, but says the perpetrators have largely moved underground. “Parents hide now. Before it was a public practice, carried out by close relatives or grandmothers. But now that it’s practised in a restricted circle, denunciation is complicated.”

Their unit collaborates with local NGOs to raise awareness, and UNFPA assists with training and through a safe space where survivors can seek help from psychologists, nurses, and lawyers.  Megaphones, leaflets, and even a motorcycle have also been provided, so activists like 61-year-old Sadio Bah can move around more easily. “Before, it was our custom. Our parents did that. But with the arrival of UNFPA, the community changed its mind,” said Mr. Bah, who travels more than 50 kilometers at a time to encourage other men and boys to join the cause.

From secrets to sutures
In 1994, Professor Akotionga was the first doctor in Burkina Faso to perform an operation to repair the physical damage caused by female genital mutilation. He has since trained more than 600 midwives, nurses, and gynecologists in repair surgery. “I learned to operate with the bare minimum. Even in the most remote bush, we can do it,” he said.

Nearly 70 percent of women and girls in Burkina Faso have been subjected to the practice, which was made illegal in 1996.  In 2022, the Joint Programme held awareness-raising sessions in more than 1,300 villages across the country to promote better understanding, and communication and encourage action.

In partnership with UNFPA, Professor Akotionga now has a weekly slot at a clinic and is reassured that his operations have dropped from six to two per month, as people increasingly turn away from the act.

Across the world, men are increasingly challenging their friends, families, and entire communities to support their women and girls as powerful agents of change. But much more needs to be done.

For allies like Professor Akotionga, the elements needed to banish the crime are clear: “Getting girls in school, involving men, convincing certain religious leaders, and raising local awareness. It will disappear, it’s a matter of time.”

Yet with just eight years left to reach the global target of eliminating the practice by 2030, for many that time is running out.

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: FeaturedFemale Genital Mutilation

Related Posts

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians
News

 Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians

05/11/2022
0
305

Abbas urges U.S. to compel Israel to stop violations against Palestinians RAMALLAH, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas...

Read moreDetails
Equity ranked 4th strongest banking brand globally on brand strength, scoring 92.4 points out of 100

 Equity Bank Under Scrutiny for Alleged Role in UGX.3bn Fake Gold Scam

09/07/2024
618
Minister of Health Dr. Ruth Aceng and Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwiine pay their respects at the burial of Dr. Joshua Musinguzi, a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Their presence honors his legacy and dedication to improving healthcare in Uganda.

 FULL LIST: Health Service Commission Shortlists Applicants for Key Roles

18/06/2025
1.1k
Kabuleta and other opposition politicians have teamed up to put an end to Museveni's leadership

 Kabuleta, other opposition politicians team up to put an end to Museveni’s leadership

27/02/2024
497
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4367 shares
    Share 1747 Tweet 1092
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    3966 shares
    Share 1586 Tweet 992
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2663 shares
    Share 1065 Tweet 666
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1783 shares
    Share 713 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1650 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day

05/07/2025
KCB Bank Uganda launches "Kyaddala ne KCB" campaign to reward savers with school fees, shopping vouchers, land, and more, fostering financial wellness nationwide.

KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign

05/07/2025
Luis Alfredo Pérez, Yara Executive Vice President for Africa and Asia giving his address at the launch of Agri-hub

Yara, Asili Partner to Launch Farmer Knowledge Center in Kiryandongo

05/07/2025
During a meeting held at SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema assured the delegation of the Eritrean investors led by Mr. Samuel Tsegoi, the Managing Director of Concord Apartments, that President Yoweri Museveni “is always directing to ensure that we are supporting the investors and that their investments are well protected.”

Col. Nakalema, KCCA intervene to protect Eritrean investors

05/07/2025
Mafumu Dauson joins Lugazi FC

“Lugazi FC Is the Right Place to Develop My Career,” Dauson Mafumu

04/07/2025

Businessman King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga Pledges Affordable Credit in Bid for NRM Entrepreneurs Chair

04/07/2025
Rtd General Mugisha Muntu addressing the gathering at Uganda Law Society headquarters on Thursday.

Ugandans should take a lead role towards the country’s peaceful transition

04/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day
  • KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign
  • Yara, Asili Partner to Launch Farmer Knowledge Center in Kiryandongo
  • Col. Nakalema, KCCA intervene to protect Eritrean investors
  • “Lugazi FC Is the Right Place to Develop My Career,” Dauson Mafumu
  • Businessman King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga Pledges Affordable Credit in Bid for NRM Entrepreneurs Chair

OpED

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

SHEILA ABOTH: Maternal healthcare must be everyone’s business because it takes a village

DARIUS NIWAHA KISHAHO: Securing Health After Retirement: Why a Post-Retirement Medical Cover is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d