Zero tolerance for FGM
Report that three million girls undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) each year is worrying and disheartening because it undermines the health and well-being of victims and is a violation of their human rights.
According to statistics, more than 130 million girls and women in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the practice is concentrated today have undergone some form of FGM which has affected their health.
In Ghana, about four per cent of girls and women between the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone the practice, described as unhygienic and horrible.
Female Genital Mutilation, also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is a practice involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.
It is invariably carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade or razor. The practice is usually initiated and done by women, who see it as a source of honour, and a means of controlling women's sexuality.
The consequences of FGM cover a wide-range of health implications such as recurrent infections, chronic pain, cysts, urinary, menstrual and obstetric complications and fatal bleeding.
It also includes the risk of getting infected with tetanus, HIV/AIDS and mental illness, as well as emotional wounds and trauma, which often lasts a lifetime.
It is unfortunate that in this day and age, some people still engage in the outmoded practice of FGM.
The Catholic Standard calls on health workers to mobilize support for the fight against “this dangerous, deeply harmful practice”.
We call for public sensitization on the harmful effects of this gruesome traditional practice which sometimes causes the untimely death of young innocent girls.
There is also the need to step-up education on FGM to halt the practice else the achievement of the Millenium Development Goal especially reducing child mortality and improving maternal health systems in the country would be a mirage.
Let us not forget that FGM has been outlawed in Ghana therefore there is the need to enforce the laws against the practice and ensure that perpetrators are penalized accordingly.
In spite of the report by UNICEF that Ghana has recorded considerable decline in the practice, we should not rest on our oars but aim to achieve zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
Women play an integral role in national development and as such, should not be subjected to this barbaric practice.
According to statistics, more than 130 million girls and women in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the practice is concentrated today have undergone some form of FGM which has affected their health.
In Ghana, about four per cent of girls and women between the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone the practice, described as unhygienic and horrible.
Female Genital Mutilation, also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, is a practice involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia.
It is invariably carried out by a traditional circumciser using a blade or razor. The practice is usually initiated and done by women, who see it as a source of honour, and a means of controlling women's sexuality.
The consequences of FGM cover a wide-range of health implications such as recurrent infections, chronic pain, cysts, urinary, menstrual and obstetric complications and fatal bleeding.
It also includes the risk of getting infected with tetanus, HIV/AIDS and mental illness, as well as emotional wounds and trauma, which often lasts a lifetime.
It is unfortunate that in this day and age, some people still engage in the outmoded practice of FGM.
The Catholic Standard calls on health workers to mobilize support for the fight against “this dangerous, deeply harmful practice”.
We call for public sensitization on the harmful effects of this gruesome traditional practice which sometimes causes the untimely death of young innocent girls.
There is also the need to step-up education on FGM to halt the practice else the achievement of the Millenium Development Goal especially reducing child mortality and improving maternal health systems in the country would be a mirage.
Let us not forget that FGM has been outlawed in Ghana therefore there is the need to enforce the laws against the practice and ensure that perpetrators are penalized accordingly.
In spite of the report by UNICEF that Ghana has recorded considerable decline in the practice, we should not rest on our oars but aim to achieve zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
Women play an integral role in national development and as such, should not be subjected to this barbaric practice.
