Shocking: Communities in U/E still indulge in FGM

Mr Shaibu Abubarkar, Pgms Mng of BEWDA

Narration: Research findings collated by, BelinWusa Development Agency, BEWDA and Action Aid Ghana both NGOs suggest that Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, known as female circumcision was still being carried out in most communities of the Upper East Region, particularly, the Bawku Municipality and its environs. Though concerted efforts have been made over the years to address the challenge, the practice still Bawku, Mognori, Pusiga and Mandango, despite the laws of the land frown on such a dehumanising act. The Programmes Manager of BEWDA, Shaibu Abubakar who revealed this to Radio Ghana said in the quest to end the injurious practice, it was incumbent on all concerned to join in the fight against the menace. Here is a report by correspondent Isaac Asare.

CUE IN

END CUE

ANCR V/O

 

Girls being made to undergo the practice (FGM)

Report

Female Genital Mutilation, a harmful and injurious act often executed without anaestetic and antiseptic treatment has for the last two decades suffered criticism from health experts and NGOs. At the local and international level, various laws have been passed to stop the practice which violates human rights and dignity. The act, which is practiced in most African countries sweeps across cultures, religions and continents. It involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia, a procedure that causes injury to the female organs. FGM is carried out with knives, scissors, pieces of glass or razor blades. Some practices place iodine or a mixture of herbs on the wound to tighten the vagina so as to stop the blood from oozing. Victims are mainly girs girls aged 15, and occasionally some adult women. Studies have shown that the age at which the practice is carried out varies from community to community. Some girls are circumcised shortly after birth depending on the community of family involved. This practice depending on the degree of mutilation employs some short and long term health implications as it affects the social and psychological wellbeing of the victims. Speaking to Radio Ghana, the Programmes Manager of BEWDA, Shaibu Abubakar, said some victims of FGM are subjected to severe pain and shock, thus causing complications in pregnancy and child birth. He said the sharp objects, used for the circumcision causes all sorts of infections and injury to the victims. These include uterus, vaginal and pelvic infections. Others are sexual dysfunction, urine retention and difficulty in menstruation. Mr. Abubakar, said notwithstanding the health implications of FGM, most practicing communities attach some cultural beliefs to the practice. Just like any other social behaviours, FGM is derived from varied and complex belief systems. He revealed that despite the public outburst against the practice coupled with the universal declaration marking the zero tolerance to FGM, practicing communities in parts of the Upper East still hides under the carpet to indulge in the act, thereby endangering the lives of innocent young girls and women. The Communities in and around Bawku have been noted for such a dehumanising practice despite the international outcry criminalising it. Mr Abubarkar called on traditional authorities as well as the law enforcement agencies to assist in clamping down on perpetrators.

                                                                              END