On February 6th, Ghana joined the global community in recognizing the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a day designated by the United Nations in 2012 to raise awareness and advocate for the elimination of this harmful practice.
As the country reflects on progress made, attention has turned to the persistence of FGM in some regions, particularly in the Upper East.
Fati Abigail Abdulai, the Director of the Widows and Orphans Movement, speaking on A1 Radio, confirmed that while there has been a reduction in FGM incidents, the practice is still occurring in certain areas, albeit secretly.
Madam Abdulai noted that communities along the border towns have been identified as areas where FGM is still prevalent. These border communities often engage in the practice in secrecy, taking advantage of their proximity to neighboring countries to cross borders, undergo the procedure, and return without detection by local health authorities or community members.
“That is actually at the blind side of our health centers and health personnel, and also at the blind side of the people. But then it is happening.”
Although the numbers have decreased compared to the past, she emphasized that the practice is still happening, hidden from the public eye. She pointed out that while efforts to end FGM have made strides, there is a growing concern that these efforts have slowed down in recent years and must be revitalized.
Madam Abdulai explained that a major factor is the influence of decision-makers, often men, who make choices for women without truly understanding the physical and psychological consequences of the practice. Furthermore, some women who have undergone FGM themselves are perpetuating the practice, believing that since they went through it, others should too, despite experiencing its harmful effects.
“The fundamental issue is that decision-makers, who are mostly men, are making decisions for women. If you are not the one going through it yourself, you don’t truly understand the implications of it. Secondly, some women who have gone through FGM believe that because they endured it, others should equally go through it.”
She stressed that changing traditional practices takes time and requires ongoing education and awareness campaigns to break the cycle. She called for consistent and varied efforts to educate communities, particularly those where FGM is still practiced, on the dangers of the procedure and the importance of ending it for the well-being of future generations. She also highlighted the need for renewed commitment to addressing the issue, stating that educational initiatives must be sustained and approached from different perspectives to ensure that FGM is fully eradicated.
“We need to be consistent and continue the education from different perspectives on why FGM needs to end. It might not be entirely new, but we just need continued education.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
