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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 3:45 am
Time: 3:45 am
Results for female genital cutting (west africa)
1 results foundAuthor: Behrendt, A. Title: Tradition and rights: female genital cuttings in West Africa Summary: This publication examined the practice of female genital cutting in West Africa, looking at prevalence, the types of excision, and the age at which it is performed. As noted, the reasons why it is carried out are many and complex; including a perceived need to control female sexuality and to initiate girls into womanhood. The justification for the practice stems from the very heart of a society's social and cultural norms and is inextricably linked to the construction of female identities. Female genital cutting has it roots in profound beliefs that deserve to be, and need to be dealt with sensitively and from a perspective of understanding in order to engage communities in a constructive dialogue about changing societal norms and abandoning the practice. Societal norms can not be overturned from one day to the next. Legislation against the practice of female genital cutting is necessary, but as our research has shown, it is not sufficient. There should, however, be no doubt that female genital cutting is harmful and can leave girls and women facing a lifetime of physical and mental consequences that may never be overcome. Plan has worked with the issue of female genital cutting since 1996 when it first began a program in Mali. In line with the organisation's mission, it has adopted a participatory approach in its work to assist communities to abandon the practice. Together with local partners much has been done to develop "enabling environments" rooted in the local context, where dialogue about the abandonment of the practice can take place. This work has transformed female genital cutting in Mali, for example, from being a completely taboo subject to one that can - at least - be discussed in public. In other countries, such as Guinea, Plan's work on female genital cutting is at its inception. While it is impossible and dangerous to generalise, the practice of female genital cutting appears to be on the decrease in West Africa. Increased reflections on this ancient tradition and its validity have begun, for example, to change the way it is carried out. The final result of these movements towards change and transition are not yet know. We do not know how the next generation of excised and non-excised girls will grow up alongside each other. We are, however, convinced, that continued constructive dialogue with communities will accelerate the pace at which communities change their norms and behaviours, and take collective decisions to abandon the practice of female genital cutting. Details: Senegal: Plan International, 2006. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 20, 2014 at: http://www.plan-uk.org/resources/documents/27624/ Year: 2006 Country: Africa URL: http://www.plan-uk.org/resources/documents/27624/ Shelf Number: 133750 Keywords: Female Genital Cutting (West Africa)Violence Against Women, Girls |