 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11829 Posts |
 Posted - 09 May 2007 : 09:32:24
|
Foroyaa Editorial:
Setting The Pace By Dropping The Knives
By dropping the knives that they used to slice female genitals, 18 circumcisers have set the pace for others to give up the practice and follow suit.
The 18 circumcisers solemnly declared to the Gambia, in particular, and the whole world, in general, that they have stopped the practice of FGM in their communities and promised never to involve themselves in it again. They further declared in public that they will take leadership and responsibility in promoting and protecting the best interest of the girl child.
This is no mean achievement, given that FGM is a practice deeply embedded in our culture.
The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of women in Africa is against FGM. This Protocol was signed by the Gambian Government and last year it was ratified by the National Assembly.
Article 5 of the Protocol states:
Elimination of Harmful Practices
State parties shall prohibit and condemn all forms of harmful practices which negatively affect the human rights of women and which are contrary to recognised international standards.
State Parties shall take all necessary legislative and other measures to eliminate such practices including
(a) creation of public awareness in all aspects of society regarding harmful practices through information, formal and informal education and outreach programmes;
(b) Prohibit, through legislative measures backed by sanctions, of all forms of Female Genital Mutilation, scarification, medicalisation and para-medicalisation of Female Genital Mutilation and all other practices in order to eradicate them;
(c) Provision of necessary support to victims of harmful practices through services such as health services, legal and judicial support, emotional and psychological counselling as well as vocational training to make them self supporting;
(d) Protection of women who are at risk of being subjected to harmful practices of all forms of violence, abuse and intolerance.
It is evident from the citation that the government is morally and legally obliged to play proactive role in the protection of women against FGM.
Organisations such as GAMCOTRAP, BAFROW, APGWA, SIMMA and others fighting harmful traditional practices need their full support.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 52/2007, 7 – 8 May 2007
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
serenata
Germany
1400 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 12:22:09
|
| I prefer not to interfere in other cultures' affairs, but I think this is good news. |
 |
|
|
molly75
United Kingdom
86 Posts |
Posted - 09 May 2007 : 18:01:33
|
| This sounds like a step in the right direction, as female circumcision is barbaric. I can understand that serenata does not like to get involved in others cultural practices, but when it is something that cause great physical and emotional harm to many people, something needs to be done to help them. |
|
|
|
jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 14 May 2007 : 12:54:43
|
| i was there when they made the announcement, it is a sense of achievement that gambia GAMCOR should be proud of the initiative they set in motion 18 months ago have born good fruit. well done |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
