[General info]:
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also know as 'female circumcision' or Female Genital Cutting (FGC) described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the range of procedures which involve 'the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reason'.
We can distinguish 3 different types:
[Type I]: commonly referred to as clitoridectomy, it is the excision (removal) of the clitoral hood with or without removal of all or part of the clitoris.
[Type II]: commonly referred to as excision, it is the excision (removal) of the clitoris together with part or all of the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips).
[Type III]: commonly referred to as infibulation, it Type III is the excision (removal) of part or all of the external genitalia (clitoris, labia minora and labia majora) and stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening, leaving a very small opening, about the size of a matchstick, to allow for the flow of urine and menstrual blood. The girl or woman’s legs are generally bound together from the hip to the ankle so she remains immobile for approximately 40 days to allow for the formation of scar tissue.
FGM is practiced to varying degrees in Kenya. Type I and Type II are the most common. Type III is found in the far eastern areas bordering Somalia. Studies indicate it is practiced mostly in rural areas, especially among those that have lower educational levels and/or subscribe to non-Christian faiths. It is, however, also practiced by some Christians and was practiced by Ethiopian Jews, who now live in Israel.
In June 1999, the Ministry of Health prepared a National Plan of Action for the Elimination of FGM/FGC. Contained in the Plan were the results of a 1998.
The lasting solution to these problems is prevention. Immediate action is needed to deliver justice to women and girls who suffer violation of their basic human rights. Our initiative is aimed at supporting those who have already been violated, but beyond that embark on a journey to end the injustice.
