I weren't sure where to post this so apologies to admin if its in the wrong place.
The MET (Metropolitan Police) have launched a campaign about FGM (Female genital mutilation) in the London area the links below. Its estimated that over 6000 girls in the London area alone are 'at risk of this practice'. In the UK theres now a 14 year (maximum) custodial sentence for anyone caught arranging this practice. A friend in CP (child protection) has said its going extremely well with many women coming forward with their experiences and also a lot of anonymous phone calls etc.
However a few national tabloids have got wind of this story with headlines screaming 'COPS SAVE 45 GIRLS FROM TRIBAL ABUSE' and while the stories go on to give some limited information on the practice they focus more about abuse with little information on the project and its positive aspects. This unfortunately has had some dire affect; a Somalian woman's centre (that offers support and guidance ) has had some of its women come under verbal and physical (spitting) attack from other women!!
Theres now concerns that this will prevent other 'victims' and information givers from coming forward. Now I know this has probably been discussed a 1000 times over but I'm just so frustrated that in the light of something positive being introduced yet again ignorance and hysteria has jepodised this.
Yes bantaba has covered this subject over the years in depth - within general, cultural & religion. Plus both books by Ambassador Waris Dirie - Desert Flower & Desert Dawn.
Below is a link that shows a vast amount of organisations & countries working for children & women towards FGM elimination.
With regard to your posting re the UK -The Children Act (Amendment)1989 also empowers the courts to prohibit parents from removing their children from the country to have the operation done elsewhere
Police are to stage high-profile checks on flights to a number of African states in an attempt to stop young girls being taken abroad to be forcibly mutilated with the consent of their parents.
Children at risk can also be removed from their homes and placed into care.
The world would be a poorer place if it was peopled by children whose parents risked nothing in the cause of social justice, for fear of personal loss. (Joe Slovo - African revolutionary)
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Posted - 02 Aug 2008 : 12:36:30
