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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched practice that has inflicted generations of pain and suffering. Despite being recognized as a form of violence against women and a violation of human rights, FGM persists in many African communities.
The silence surrounding FGM has reinforced a culture of culpable ignorance, enabling violence and allowing pain to fester. FGM is often justified as a part of African tradition and heritage. However, this justification is indefensible, as FGM is a barbaric act that has devastating consequences.
To end FGM, we must acknowledge the truth, reject excuses, and take decisive action. This includes enforcing laws with zero tolerance, educating families and communities, supporting survivors, engaging religious and traditional leaders, and changing the narrative.
History will judge us by how we respond to the suffering of the most vulnerable. We cannot erase the past, but we can ensure that future generations do not suffer the same fate. FGM is not a legacy worth preserving; it is a scar upon Africa’s conscience.
The Reality of FGM
FGM is a brutal practice that involves cutting away part or all of a girl’s external genitalia. The consequences are lifelong, including excruciating menstrual cycles, chronic infections, pain during urination and childbirth, and infertility.
Breaking the Chains
To truly end FGM, we must act decisively:
- Enforce laws with zero tolerance.
- Educate families and communities.
- Support survivors.
- Engage religious and traditional leaders.
- Change the narrative.
The choice before us is clear: continue the cycle of pain or break it forever. The past was shameful. The future does not have to be. Which will we choose?