2012 is an even year and that means something in the Sebei Region - FGM!

The dreaded time of the year 2012 (for some) is fast approaching.  2012 is an even year and in the Sebei and Pokot region, the surgeon's blade will be the language come December. Young girls will either be forcefully OR ignorantly circumcised or they will turn up for FGM because they believe that it is cultural and one must never go against culture. Sadly, women who refuse to undergo female genital mutilation (FGM) in Pokot and Tepeth communities in Karamoja sub-region are forcibly cut by traditional birth attendants while delivering. The law against FGM is in place and the Sabiny contributed to its formation, according to sources interviewed by EASSI. It was not imposed on them at all, rather it was through participatory dialogue. Kenya, Uganda's neighbor to the East also banned the unkind cut in 2011, months after Uganda. And now the East African Community is to legislate against FGM.

Plans are underway to implement an FGM law at a regional level, Dora Byamukama, a legislator at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member recently revealed. “One of the fundamental principles of the East African treaty is that member states observe human rights which include women’s rights. This principle also calls for legislation against harmful practices like FGM. 

Beyond the blade, what are these woman and gils being subjected to?

HIV/AIDS, Obstructed labor, permanent damage to their bodies, DEATH is the extreme! Must we even have a law against a practice that leads to these kinds of burdens on the victims and their families?

Without even looking at the law and others that are yet to come, how about door to door awareness campaigns? community conversations and yes education campaigns - or literacy campaigns. With matters of life and death, are income generating alternatives even viable? changing mindsets with the end results of FGM as the center of focus are enough a starting point for surgeons, strong believers in culture and the victims - willing and unwilling. Unrelenting advocacy against FGM is what needs to be done. Lets not leave anyone in the dark.

EASSI is at this for the year 2012 - and we are sure that the results will be there.