98% of girls in
Somalia are subjected to female genital
mutilation, the highest prevalence on the planet.
But right now the government is considering a ban
and our global support could help push the decision
through. Add your voice now:
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Dear Friends, Six-year-old Hibo
Wardere was told, “You are brave, you are courageous,
tomorrow you are going to be a woman,” then she was led to a
makeshift hut in the Somali capital of Mogadishu and a
local ‘cutter’ used a razor to remove her
genitalia.
Hibo is one of 200 million
women and girls in 30 countries across the world that have
undergone female genital mutilation (FGM). But in Somalia,
where an astounding 98% of girls are cut, the Minister for
Women is developing a ban right now. Local experts say
that a global wave of support for nationwide zero tolerance
could help win an outright ban on this cruel practice in
weeks!
Puntland, in northeast Somalia, just
proposed a full ban, and there is precedent of the central
government adopting their progressive legislation. If enough
of us praise these bold leaders for taking a stand for girls
now, we can bolster their initiatives, and help push through a
law in this next Parliament. Join the call now and
tell everyone: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/fgm_somalia_ban_loc/?bUSymfb&v=73870&cl=9617349835Female
genital mutilation is an undebatable human rights
violation. There are no medical benefits to the procedure.
In fact, it is extremely dangerous - girls can even die
because of infection from unsanitary conditions, and the scars
can cause childbirth difficulties, and menstruation
complications. It is widely believed that FGM is a religious
practice that increases marriageability and provides a
transition to adulthood for women. But Muslim leaders have
pointed out that this is simply not rooted in
religion.
Although legislation alone is
not the solution - public education is crucial to end this
practice - this opportunity in Somalia could help save
thousands of young girls being prepared for
mutilation. This is a progressive
government, a partial ban was announced last year, and experts
say 3/4 of the MPs are likely to back this
initiative.
The Puntland leader and the
Minister for Women are leading the way to this reform, but
messages of hope and encouragement to them from our community
will be a huge motivation to get it onto the Parliamentary
agenda and pushed through. Unicef, who are on the ground
working tirelessly to wipe out FGM in Somalia, are calling for
our support right now. Sign the petition and share
widely: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/fgm_somalia_ban_loc/?bUSymfb&v=73870&cl=9617349835
 
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