 |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
 Posted - 07 Feb 2011 : 20:15:46
|
“Zero Tolerance to FGM Means FGM Should Not Be Tolerated”
By Binta A Bah
Monday, February 07, 2011
Zero tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) means the practice should not be tolerated for any reason, no matter the type, who is doing it and on whom, said Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP, a women’s right organization fighting against harmful practices that are inimical to the health and wellbeing of women and girl child.
She added that the consequences of FGM cover a wide range of health issues such as increased in maternal and reproductive health problems, complications at childbirth and difficulties in menstruation among others.
Dr. Touray made this remarks yesterday during celebrations marking the International Day on Zero Tolerance to FGM. Being the 8th anniversary, the event was held under the theme: “Engaging governments is Indispensable to Reaching Zero Tolerance to FGM.” This year’s event was sponsored by the United States Embassy in The Gambia. It was held at TANGO conference hall.
The International Day on Zero Tolerance to FGM was officially declared by late Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, a former First Lady of Nigeria in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Inter Africa Committee (IAC) an umbrella organization that addresses harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and girl child has engaged the world leaders to build bridges between Europe and Africa to arrive at Zero tolerance to FGM in marking this year’s celebration.
According to Dr. Touray, February 6 is set aside as a reminder as well as renewal of efforts towards the eradication of harmful traditional practices.
“FGM has been recognized as a serious form of violence against women and girls and coupled with its other medical, social, psycho-sexual and economic consequences,” Dr. Touray said. “The practice should not be allowed to continue under the guise of tradition or religion.”
Cindy Gregg, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy said cultural practices are not delegated to one ethnic group any longer. She added that many African countries are ahead of the Gambia as they have already passed laws outlawing FGM.
According to her, elimination of FGM and other harmful traditional practices will help empower and improve the lives of women and children.
Source: Daily news
|
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
|
|
Momodou
Denmark
11785 Posts |
Posted - 10 Feb 2011 : 20:28:58
|
GAMCOTRAP CELEBRATES ZERO TOLERANCE TO END FGM
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
10-02-11
On Sunday GAMCOTRAP joined the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices (IAC), with its National committees in 28 African countries, 17 Affiliates outside of Africa and Partners around the world to celebrate the eight anniversary of the International Day on Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
This day was adopted in 2003 in Addis Ababa at the international conference on Zero Tolerance to FGM convened by the AIC. The ceremony took place at the Tango Campus. The Tango Conference hall was full to capacity. iT was graced by youths and students seen as future leaders who could effect change in any circumstance when they are equipped with knowledge and are well informed. Cindy Gregg, the Deputy US ambassador to the Gambia and Mrs Blessing a Representative of Nigerian High commissioner were in attendance.
“This year, 2011, there is a double theme for the February 6th celebration of the International Day on Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. For IAC African partners the theme is ‘Engaging Governments, indispensable, to reaching zero Tolerance to FGM’, while for Europe and the rest of the world particularly among African Diaspora the theme is ‘Building bridges between Europe and Africa to arrive at Zero Tolerance to FGM: Engaging the media,’ said Dr Isatou Touray, the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP.
Dr Touray said “On February 6, 2003, the late Mrs Stella Obasanjo, First lady of Nigeria made the official declaration on “Zero Tolerance to FGM” on behalf of the African First Ladies. Immediately after this, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted the day and many other organisations and stakeholders in the FGM elimination process have since adopted February 6 as world FGM day. Ceremonies marking this very special day have taken place since then around the world for nearly a decade.”
Dr. Isatou Touray said zero tolerance to FGM means that FGM should not be tolerated for any reason, no matter the type, who is doing it, on whom, the place where done. She said by a conservative estimate, about 2 million women and girls are subjected to FGM annually. She further stated that Female Genital Mutilation refers to any practice that involves the partial or total removal or alteration of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Dr Touray further stated that the Consequences of FGM covers a wide range of health, childbirth complications, difficulties in menstruation and urinating, risk of contracting tetanus, infertility, HIV-AIDS and mental health Issues.
The executive Director of GAMCOTRAP Dr. Isatou Touray added that the Millennium Development Goals advocated for the promotion of Gender Equality and Empowerment of women; Reduction of Child Mortality and Improvement of Maternal Health. Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation will contribute to the attainment of these goals. “FGM has been recognized as a serious form of violence against women and girls and coupled with other medical, social psycho-sexual and economic consequences; the practice should not be allowed to continue under the guise of tradition or religion.”
“This year, GAMCOTRAP has partnered with the Embassy of the United States of America to mark this day. Working with young people is seen as a critical and important step in ending FGM in one generation. The role played and to be played by young people will serve as a basis for accelerating and sustaining the abandonment of FGM in the Gambia and Africa,” said the GAMCOTRAP Executive Director.
Source: Foroyaa |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
 |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Bantaba in Cyberspace |
© 2005-2024 Nijii |
|
|
|
Topic Locked
