Preventing early and forced marriage and FGM

[HEPZIBAH]

I wasn't sure which section to post this in. I was originally going to post it in Women's Talk but it is really a subject that should be talked about by women and men around the world, not least in Egypt, so I'm posting it here.

Preventing early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation in Egypt



(Video Published on May 30, 2012
Ninety percent of girls aged 15-49 suffer Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Egypt. Our video share the stories of girls suffering from FGM and early and forced marriage, and how Plan is working to put an end to these practices.)

About Egypt
Most of Egypt’s 80 million people live near the River Nile and 60 per cent of them depend on the land for their survival. In 2011, Egyptian life was dramatically affected by popular uprising against the government. The country is still unstable and progressive laws that had been passed that had benefitted women and children are now under threat.

Early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) are two deeply rooted cultural practices that fundamentally abuse the rights of girls and women.

Plan UK’s Girls Fund project is working with six communities to help eliminate both practices in the poorest areas of Assyut. These communities have limited access to basic services, household incomes are low, girls tend to drop out of school and child labour is widespread.

The challenge
FGM is the cutting of female genitalia. Although it is illegal in Egypt, the practice still takes place. As well as being extremely painful, it can lead to long term health issues. Girls are usually aged between 9 and 13 when they undergo the process. Some people mistakenly believe it’s a religious requirement and many poorer Egyptians believe that it can bring better marriage prospects for their daughters.

In the areas of Egypt where Plan works, 21 per cent of women are married before the age of 15. Early and forced marriage puts a girl’s health and wellbeing at serious risk. It can lead to girls experiencing violence, sexual abuse, premature pregnancies, and death in childbirth. Once married many girls are forced out of school, which not only denies them the chance to learn but limits their income in future.

Both FGM and early and forced marriage are sensitive topics and are not openly spoken about. It is difficult for women to challenge these traditions as they don’t often have a voice within their households and communities.

Read girls' stories
girls-fund-egypt-fatimaFatima's story Fatima was forced to marry an older man before the age of 15 to help her family survive.
girls-fund-egypt-safaaSafaa's story As a 23 year old mother, Safaa broke tradition by saying ‘no’ to female genital mutilation for her daughter.
See more at: http://www.plan-uk.org/what-we-do/campa ... oKI4c.dpuf

See more at: http://www.plan-uk.org/what-we-do/campa ... oKI4c.dpuf

I have Zero Tolerance. How about you?

From https://www.facebook.com/PlanEgypt
It is Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation Day and we need your help in raising awareness about this horrendous practice currently affecting 140m girls and women worldwide.

PLEASE SHARE our #infographic far and wide and have a look at what Plan is doing to help end this practice in Mali --> http://ow.ly/tl8ZE

World Health Organization estimates that globally about 120 to 140 million women have been subject to FGM

3 million girls are at risk each year.

FGM is typically carried out, with or without anesthesia, by a traditional circumciser using a knife or razor.

FGM is very a very harmful practice. Its health effects can include recurrent infections, chronic pain, cysts, infertility, complications during childbirth and fatal bleeding.

Girls and women subjected to FGM can also suffer from many psychological complications like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

By sharing this post, you will,

Spread awareness,
Support the call for ending FGM,
Advocate for girls’ rights,
Protect girls at risk.


Education has to be the answer - of women and girls but also men and boys too. FGM is a world wide problem and often practiced against the law, in very poor and insanitary conditions and needs to eradicated just as much as any infectious disease.

[HEPZIBAH]

On a positive note - today's news:
..Mali communities denounce female genital cutting
BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Hundreds of Malians gathered in a community stadium to denounce female genital cutting, a practice affecting some 89 percent of women and girls in the West African nation.

Thursday's ceremony, falling on the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, was attended by residents of 14 neighborhoods in a suburb of the capital, Bamako.

It was the second public declaration organized in Mali by the non-governmental organization Tostan, which has worked with 7,000 communities in eight African countries to swear off female genital cutting, sometimes referred to as female circumcision.

The practice involves removing some or all of a girl's external genitals usually without anesthesia. In addition to the loss of sexual pleasure, women undergoing the procedure face more difficult childbirths and other complications.

[Brian Yare]

Much as I am opposed to FGM I seriously distrust the figures in the first post, above.

If 90% of 15-49 year olds suffer FGM, the odds are that the entire rest of the population suffered at a younger age.

I do not believe that 99%+ of the female population have been so mutilated.

But: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/02/0 ... utilation/ suggests that the figures are indeed very high.

I suffered MGM in about 1948 - it was the norm in post-war Britain. I agree that there is no comparison, but it was just as unnecessary.

[Scottishtourist]

I suffered MGM in about 1948 - it was the norm in post-war Britain. I agree that there is no comparison, but it was just as unnecessary.

When was it ever the norm for males in post-war Britain?
My own son was 11 years old when he was circumcised (circa 1996.)He had suffered a few urine infections as a child and further investigation revealed that the penile foreskin was "tight" and could affect the erectile tissue as he grew older.
It broke my heart putting him through the operation.It was NOT just a simple procedure..he was off school for a week,and much to his embarassment..his mum had to keep a check on the healing and stitches.It caused him a lot of pain!
All was well that ended well though.He is now a father to two beautiful daughters..would they have been here if he hadn't gone through the procedure?
But girls?How many of you have daughters?
Have you ever seen female mutilated genitalia?
Not a pretty sight,believe me!It affects sexual pleasure,inhibits menstruation,causes problems with childbirth...and removes the very essence of femininity.
Stop it...and stop it now!!!

[Lisak]

Scottish Tourist,
One of our male members (excuse the pun) actually wrote on his experiences on the subject a while ago. I will try and find the link for it, but for him, it was distressing and unnecessary.
It may be different to female circumcision, but do not think that because it is different, it doesn't affect the victim.

[Lisak]

Can't find the post now, It must have been taken out in the cull. What a shame as it was a hard hitting post which highlighted how sometimes it isn't 'just an easy procedure'. He was left emotionally scarred and felt cheated.

[Scottishtourist]

Scottish Tourist,
One of our male members (excuse the pun) actually wrote on his experiences on the subject a while ago. I will try and find the link for it, but for him, it was distressing and unnecessary.
It may be different to female circumcision, but do not think that because it is different, it doesn't affect the victim.

I didn't say that it doesn't affect the "victim"Lisak.
What I'm pointing out is that for some males it is a "necessary"procedure to enhance their own well-being and also to an extent protect them and future generations.
Are you aware of the number of infections that can lurk beneath the male foreskin...and the damage they can do if passed on?
I am also more than aware that any unnecessary medical procedure is both distressing and categorically wrong...and I have every sympathy with anyone who has been subjected to it.
My own son's experience also taught me that it is not a simple little operation.The aftercare must be the same as with any surgical procedure.
However,I know of no female whose well-being has been enhanced by circumcision.Only in very,very rare cases and very unusual medical conditions is it acceptable to "modify"the female genitalia.
I don't think it can even be compared to the male version.

[Glyphdoctor]

Well, at least it makes you all feel good about yourselves, because that is the only thing that will come out of spreading posts like this.

[Scottishtourist]

Well, at least it makes you all feel good about yourselves, because that is the only thing that will come out of spreading posts like this.

Can you elaborate GD?
Are you suggesting that there is an element of "gloating"re the fact that some of us have not been subjected to this practice and are therefore(supposedly) more "feminine and womanly"than those who have?
That isn't the case at all,and if I have misinterpreted your post then I apologize.
I look at it from a health viewpoint,not a cultural or religious one.

[TAL777]

Much as I am opposed to FGM I seriously distrust the figures in the first post, above.

If 90% of 15-49 year olds suffer FGM, the odds are that the entire rest of the population suffered at a younger age.

I do not believe that 99%+ of the female population have been so mutilated.

But: http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/02/0 ... utilation/ suggests that the figures are indeed very high.

I suffered MGM in about 1948 - it was the norm in post-war Britain. I agree that there is no comparison, but it was just as unnecessary.

MGM meaning circumcision? I've never heard it called mutilation.
Actually if you have it done when just born it is beneficial, as it has been proved that it is more hygenic and that it reduces the spread of STD's.

FGM is more brutal and completely unnecessary.

[Glyphdoctor]

Well, at least it makes you all feel good about yourselves, because that is the only thing that will come out of spreading posts like this.

Can you elaborate GD?
Are you suggesting that there is an element of "gloating"re the fact that some of us have not been subjected to this practice and are therefore(supposedly) more "feminine and womanly"than those who have?
That isn't the case at all,and if I have misinterpreted your post then I apologize.
I look at it from a health viewpoint,not a cultural or religious one.

No, a sense of moral superiority, as in "THEY do it, but WE don't"

But hey no one here has any problem discussing private parts of their Egyptian female neighbors but when it comes to the current events of the country everyone is like the 3 proverbial monkeys. Funny days we live in, no?

[LovelyLadyLux]

I read it all and personally didn't pick up any moral superiority.

What I do pick up is that we can't get our minds around the why FGM is done. I also pick up a sense of abhorrence that FGM isn't necessarily done in sanitary conditions and comes with extreme pain and discomfort and that females don't seem to have a choice about this.

I can understand that the practice is carried on because it has always been done. I get that part that it was done to me, my mom and all my siblings and cousins and extended family so therefore just must be done for my daughters. That part I can understand and the task ahead is to educate and change attitudes towards this practice. I believe this will take talk and promotion by respected Egyptians on this topic to start any change process in the thinking regarding this procedure.

[Scottishtourist]

It has nothing to do with "moral superiority."
It has everything to do with outlawing butchery and allowing women to be in control of their own bodies.
And Tal777 is very correct.I used to work in urinary medicine and a circumcised penis was cleaner,neater..and easier to treat and see!!!
A circumcised female was a nightmare!And I'm talking catheters,point of entry,respecting their culture and beliefs,and all the while showing no display of distaste!
But,I'll agree that as with all things pertaining to Egypt and the current events in the country it's just another case of "what the eye don't see,the heart doesn't grieve over!"

[Brian Yare]

It has nothing to do with "moral superiority."
It has everything to do with outlawing butchery and allowing women to be in control of their own bodies.
And Tal777 is very correct.I used to work in urinary medicine and a circumcised penis was cleaner,neater..and easier to treat and see!!!
A circumcised female was a nightmare!And I'm talking catheters,point of entry,respecting their culture and beliefs,and all the while showing no display of distaste!
But,I'll agree that as with all things pertaining to Egypt and the current events in the country it's just another case of "what the eye don't see,the heart doesn't grieve over!"

People, not women. Circumcision is an equally unnecessary and invasive procedure. And very often culture and beliefs are not involved. 60 years ago it was just considered 'normal' in the UK.

[HEPZIBAH]

Well, at least it makes you all feel good about yourselves, because that is the only thing that will come out of spreading posts like this.

What a stupid thing to say.

Actually, I can assure you it does not make me feel good about myself. It makes me feel bad that because of my lack of linguistic ability I have not been able to sit and discuss this with my Egyptian female friends. Not to take the moral high ground, or even to ask if they have been 'done', but to try to understand it from a women's point of view in a culture where it is happening.

However, it is something that I believe is not right - unless there is a clear medical reason for it to take place and then it should be undertaken under proper sanitary medical conditions. While charities such as Plan are working hard to educate people about it I will do my best to support them - even if that only means being able to make such posts.

[Subversion]

Whilst in most cases I will stand for the right of the individual to follow what custom and tradition they so choose, providing it does not harm or discriminate against the choices of others - FGM is a completely different ball game.

It does do harm, it is not an act of choice by an adult, it is an act of force against female children.

WRT "us and them" - there are many young British girls who are sent abroad for this "surgery" every year - normally around the age of 12 in the school summer holiday period. Whatever their ethnic origin they are still largely born in the UK and have British nationality.

Do I feel good about myself that I support a campaign to raise awareness - yes I do - and the problem with that is what exactly?

Is it the only good that comes of spreading posts like this - well if you consider that raising public awareness has led to the setting up of UK specialist units to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of this practice to be of no good at all - I suppose you must be right GD.

Sx

[Scottishtourist]

People, not women. Circumcision is an equally unnecessary and invasive procedure. And very often culture and beliefs are not involved. 60 years ago it was just considered 'normal' in the UK.

I'm in no way disagreeing with you Brian.It is unnecessary and invasive if there is no medical need for it.
However,some cultures and religions dictate that it is "necessary"and important.
I was just unaware that it was common practice in post-war Britain.
None of my brothers were "done."They're in their early fifties now.Nor was my dad,nor was my late husband.
In fact,the first person to undergo it in my family was my son.
And Hepzibah (excellent post,by the way)I've had discussions with my female Egyptian friends about it.Maybe they feel less embarrassed talking about it with me,I don't know!
They've been "cut."They very rarely enjoy sex,their babies were delivered by Caesarian Section...and their menstruation can last for 10 days on average,much longer than is normal.

[Brian Yare]

I was just unaware that it was common practice in post-war Britain.
None of my brothers were "done." They're in their early fifties now. Nor was my dad, nor was my late husband.
In fact, the first person to undergo it in my family was my son.

I'm referring to the late 40s rather than the fifties.

I was surprised by the figures here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19072761 but apparently in mid to late 1940s about 1/3 of UK males were snipped.

[dsaxelby]

My ex's female family members circumcised his daughter at 18 months, his wife has now had 2 caesareans. Soon they will do the same to his new baby girl. Do the European women that have daughters with their Egyptian husbands allow this practice?

[Maakari]

I am not participating in this topic on any "Moral, religious or cultural" high ground. I am just seeing it from my side as Woman, and as a health worker who works in Womens health care here in the UK.
I can not help how I feel. It is visceral. I am married to an Egyptian, one whose family have participated in this tradition for all their lifes and that of their fore bearers. I KNOW it happens, I KNOW it is the tradition.........BUT i DO NOT HAVE TO LIKE IT. I have over the years been told many stories by my Husbands family, that I KNOW is their culture, but these stories make my guts twist. My females relatives have told my of their misery in the Marital bed, their problem with urinary infections that lead to hospitalisation, their Caesarian sections, or if they do not get to hospital in time for elective section, the cutting and then the sewing up of their Labia straight after birth, leading to post Partum infections.
We are seeing it here in the UK. Little girls in Septic shock, after a "holiday " abroad, Women who are injured because their genitalia are ripped, due to an over zealous husband.....or worse is the increase in Rectal Spincter damage caused by Anal sex. I am sorry that some think that any one who is moved by these womens and little girls plight is standing on some sort of Moral high ground.
For me it is not that, it is just that I Have been born into my society, a society and a culture that does not have these "Traditions", and Yes! I am sooooo lucky and take it for granted that my life, and my genitalia are safe, BUT it will never stop me feeling this way. And if any organisation can help this situation, and I am of any help...it does make me feel good about my support...........but not in a superior way......just in a "sisterhood of the world" way.