Violence Against Women
Source: The Star
The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is a United Nations (UN) campaign held on February 6 every year with the aim of stopping genital mutilation of girls and women. Sadly, here in Kenya, we are still talking eleven years on as our girls continue to be exposed to this horrific mutilation.
FGM is mostly carried out by "traditional circumcisers". These are women who hold a respected and central role in their communities and are often the ones who assist women during childbirth. However, more recently, it has been found that more than 18% of all FGM is performed by health care providers, an ever increasing trend.
One of the main gaps identified by COVAW is FGM during childbirth, the risk that traditional birth attendants (cum circumcisers) who still have a central role in some traditional communities will perform the act during child birth. In the study 'Experience of Women during Childbirth in Narok and Isiolo Counties", a case was reported to COVAW of a woman who gave birth on the hospital corridor because she was too traumatized by her childhood memory of undergoing FGM at eight years of age in the hands of a health worker to allow a midwife with scissors near her.
This case, and numerous similar ones, points to several gaps in our governments zero tolerance. That in spite of a law, FGM still goes on with few or no cases of persons charged in a court of law of this crime. That cases of health workers and health institutions performing FGM are being reported with no action taken against those performing the criminal procedures. It is my view that this "medicalization" of a criminal action should have even stiffer penalties than the "domestic" procedure, with the sole intention of deterring and punishing health workers who violate the very same patients they made an oath to protect. In a zero tolerance state, they would doubtlessly be deregistered by the relevant regulatory bodies.
An estimated 100 –140 million girls and women currently live with the consequences of FGM, most of whom live in 28 African countries. Kenya is one of these countries and one where the age of these girls is as low as 10 years. In Kenya, evidence shows that the overall prevalence of FGM has been decreasing over the last decade. According to the 2008/9 Kenya Health Demographic Health Surveys (KDHS) the prevalence has been reducing. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined as comprising 'all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons'.
The Kenyan government has recognized that FGM is not consistent with women's rights and the right to be free from all forms of violence. It has taken active measures to end this harmful practice, the most recent of which was the appointment of Linah Jebii Kilimo as the chairperson of the Anti-FGM Board. The appointment comes as result of the Prohibition of FGM Act which was passed in September 2011.
There is enormous benefit to be gained from implementation of the Prohibition of FGM Act. However, some aspects are vaguely defined and require further clarification with specific measures on how to provide "support services" specifically on the provision of: shelter, medical services, legal education, including legal aid. COVAW is also concerned by the lack of resource allocation for the successful implementation of the Act and of its board.
If the Prohibition of FGM Act is well received and implemented, the new law will act as a deterrent and reduce the instances of the practice. Engaging chiefs, elders, cultural and religious leaders can provide entry points into the community and achieve buy-in which will enhance the successful implementation of the law. Male involvement is essential in eradication of this practice. Men joining this campaign will go a long way to enhance changing community norms.
Alternative rites of passage can be promoted as a viable alternative to FGM particularly in communities where parents have accepted the same. Under this 'alternative concept', instead of going through FGM, girls formally enter adulthood by participating in workshops with female role models. Through these forums they learn about their bodies – structure, function, reproduction, personal hygiene, interpersonal relationships and the harmful effects of FGM, among other things. The girls celebrate their passage into adulthood with such important knowledge and skills.
The process of eradication of this grave human and women's rights violation requires a multi-sectoral approach whereby everyone can get their voices heard. As we mark this day, it is an opportunity for you to join COVAW and our partners wherever you are in eradicating this violent cultural practice against our daughters, our sisters, our mothers. Go on and do something today to help this campaign!
THE FIGHT CONTINUES: Former Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo with Devolution Secretary Ann Waiguru after launching the Africa Coordinating Centre for Abandonment of FGM at Kenyatta National Hospital on December 13 last year. Photo/CHARLES MUGA.