Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread and deeply entrenched social convention with nearly 97 per cent of Somali girls aged 15-19 had undergone the procedure, many of whom have been subjected to the most severe form of FGM. Despite the negative serious health consequences and efforts to abandon the practice, it has persisted due to a common belief that it is a religious obligation, among other notions such as the long-held tradition “will unleash the anger of God,” on them and that women who are uncut are “not spiritually clean and they cannot pray”. They are seen as “unpurified Muslims who are shameful to their traditions and culture
Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA) voluntarily taking part the elimination of female genital mutilation has today held a debate about the role of men on elimination of FGM, for some journalists, popular Somali singers and individuals from other parts of the society.
Mohamed Ibrahim Adow (Sholi Yare) who is a popular singer from (Hegan) Somali police force’s band accused men that they are the leading cause of FGM practice, and he emotionally said “O men! What on earth would you cut your daughters?!!! … FGM practice is harmful to daughters’ health, … it is not religious practice, it is not something that is must in our culture, it is ancient men’s choice,… where is your choice?… if it is not your choice, why are you silent?” he continued” I have two daughters, and I thank God they survived from cutting and I advise to all the people try to leave this harmful practice, which no one ever mentioned its advantage!”
Hassan Abukar Ali (Hassan Baidoa), who have been a journalist and a writer in the last 35 years argued that this practice has an strong root as it came from far over 5000 years and it is still having its impacts, that means it is hard to eliminate easily in a short duration. “ I attended several workshops about FGM in 1985, and I still see its effects. I suggest, this time men participate campaigns against FGM, and other harmful practices”…they are your daughters who are being cut and whom their blood is shed! Are you not wise?! Why leaving a part of your responsibility when it comes practicing this harmful practices? It is not sacred, it is has no advantage, Please let us stand for the elimination of this harmful practice”.
Hassan concluded his argument that the society needs awareness campaigns around the globe, because many young girls like my daughters survived as they live in the city. Girls living urban areas are most likely to survive for that they receive regular awareness workshops.
On the other side, health problems caused by FGM, was deeply discussed, Drs Ubah, clearly explained that the FGM practice has no any benefit at all, whether it is the developmental age or during or after the natal period , also the during the honeymoon or sometimes simply the foundation of the family, and Drs Ubah at last request in a loud voice saying “ Pls stop this bad habit (FGM), it is not religious or cultural norms that the people will be cursed if they don’t cut their daughters, it is an old story that its application is madness according this modern world
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread and deeply entrenched social convention with nearly 97 per cent of Somali girls aged 15-19 had undergone the procedure, many of whom have been subjected to the most severe form of FGM. Despite the negative serious health consequences and efforts to abandon the practice, it has persisted due to a common belief that it is a religious obligation, among other notions such as the long-held tradition “will unleash the anger of God,” on them and that women who are uncut are “not spiritually clean and they cannot pray”. They are seen as “unpurified Muslims who are shameful to their traditions and culture
Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA) voluntarily taking part the elimination of female genital mutilation has today held a debate about the role of men on elimination of FGM, for some journalists, popular Somali singers and individuals from other parts of the society.
Mohamed Ibrahim Adow (Sholi Yare) who is a popular singer from (Hegan) Somali police force’s band accused men that they are the leading cause of FGM practice, and he emotionally said “O men! What on earth would you cut your daughters?!!! … FGM practice is harmful to daughters’ health, … it is not religious practice, it is not something that is must in our culture, it is ancient men’s choice,… where is your choice?… if it is not your choice, why are you silent?” he continued” I have two daughters, and I thank God they survived from cutting and I advise to all the people try to leave this harmful practice, which no one ever mentioned its advantage!”
Hassan Abukar Ali (Hassan Baidoa), who have been a journalist and a writer in the last 35 years argued that this practice has an strong root as it came from far over 5000 years and it is still having its impacts, that means it is hard to eliminate easily in a short duration. “ I attended several workshops about FGM in 1985, and I still see its effects. I suggest, this time men participate campaigns against FGM, and other harmful practices”…they are your daughters who are being cut and whom their blood is shed! Are you not wise?! Why leaving a part of your responsibility when it comes practicing this harmful practices? It is not sacred, it is has no advantage, Please let us stand for the elimination of this harmful practice”.
Hassan concluded his argument that the society needs awareness campaigns around the globe, because many young girls like my daughters survived as they live in the city. Girls living urban areas are most likely to survive for that they receive regular awareness workshops.
On the other side, health problems caused by FGM, was deeply discussed, Drs Ubah, clearly explained that the FGM practice has no any benefit at all, whether it is the developmental age or during or after the natal period , also the during the honeymoon or sometimes simply the foundation of the family, and Drs Ubah at last request in a loud voice saying “ Pls stop this bad habit (FGM), it is not religious or cultural norms that the people will be cursed if they don’t cut their daughters, it is an old story that its application is madness according this modern world.
