Three girls in West Africa died after their parents cut off their external genitals. Because of this, police officials arrested the parents and opened an investigation.
For the past few years, female genital mutilation (FGM) and other similar practices have been criticized by many civilians and professionals.
Ex-female genital mutilation (FGM) cutter Monika Cheptilak, who stopped practicing after the country set anti-FGM law in 2010, shows a homemade tool from a nail used for FGM, during the meeting of anti-FGM women group in Alakas village, bordering Kenya, northeast Uganda on January 31, 2018.
This is because of the life-threatening risks they pose. The United Nations even passed a resolution to bank FGM practices.
Unfortunately, FGM is still being practiced in many countries because it has been a part of their culture. Among these 30 countries is Sierra Leone.
West Africa: 3 Girls Die After Parents Cut Their External Genitals
According to The Guardian's latest report, three minor girls died because of FGM; Kadiatu Bangura (17), Salamatu Jalloh (13), and Adamsay Sesay (12).
These poor girls died during initiation ceremonies in Sierra Leone's North West province in January. Forum Against Harmful Practices' Executive Secretary Aminata Koroma said that the parents of the victims are already in the custody of the police.
The case of the three West African girls clearly shows that FGM can put the lives of many children. Because of this, FAHP—an organization that aims to end FGM—is lobbying for a law that would make the practice illegal.
Aside from this, FAHP officials are also promoting rite-of-passage ceremonies that are safer compared to female genital mutilation.
Although Koroma said that it is unlikely for FGM to be completely eradicated from all countries, she is still hopeful that the new generation will change this practice.
"People's minds about FGM are changing but it is a gradual change," she explained.
"I don't think I will see FGM completely eradicated in my lifetime, but I am very optimistic about the new generation. They will be the," added the FAHP executive secretary.
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FGM Offers No Benefit, Just Harm
Members of African Gay and Lesbian communities demonstrate against female genital mutilation, on 23 January 2007 at the Nairobi World Social Forum venue in Kasarani, Nairobi. Some 46,000 participants are attending the seventh edition of the World Social Forum taking place this week in Kenya.
The World Health Organization said that FGM only leads to harm and offers no health benefits at all.
"Although all forms of FGM are associated with increased risk of health complications, the risk is greater with more severe forms of FGM," said WHO via its official website.
WHO provided the short-term and long-term effects of FGM, such as the following:
Short-Term Effects of FGM
- Long-Term Effects of FGM
- urinary problems
- sexual problems
- menstrual problems
- vaginal problems
- increased risk of childbirth complications
- psychological problems
- need for later surgeries
Long-Term Effects of FGM
- urinary problems
- sexual problems
- menstrual problems
- vaginal problems
- increased risk of childbirth complications
- psychological problems
- need for later surgeries
But, the most concerning effect of FGM procedures is the sudden death of patients.
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