Universal political perspectives of FGM/C

Image: UNICEF (2020)

Following on from our first article which informed us all on what FGM/FGC is and shed light on the work that organisations e.g. Scarlet Udaan do. Thus, this article will entreat you on a journey into the politics behind FGM around the world, predominantly in the nation of Africa.

In the UK, charities and experts have unveiled a list of recommendations that the UK government should adopt in order to honour its pledge to end worldwide FGM by 2030. Whereas, many countries in Africa, e.g. Kenya, Uganda and Egypt still practice FGM, arguing that ‘circumcision curbed promiscuity and provided a means for girls to be initiated as adult members of their communities’.

Historically, it has been documented that when the British Colonial Administration did announce plans to outlaw the practice of FGM, it caused parents to rush to have their daughters infibulated and triggered violent demonstrations against the colonial authorities. This resulted in colonial officials ceased enforcing the controversial policy.

Ultimately, the question becomes, who could really outlaw FGM if the authorities themselves are in fear of the people and are effectively overthrown by them. However, it may be that the risk of ‘violent demonstrations’ that has to occur, in order to protect millions of young women around the world who experience this.

As mentioned in the previous article on this topic, Sudan has sought to outlaw and criminalise FGM this year, specifically 1st May 2020, which undoubtedly is a breakthrough for FGM victims and its advocates. However, campaigners question whether this will actively come into practice, especially since FGM has been so “entrenched in Sudanese culture”. Thus, many activists expect it to take a much longer time to be eradicated entirely, as said by Fatma Naib, (Communication Officer of the UN children’s agency, UNICEF) in Sudan. Naib also stated, “there is so much work to be done. This is a start, a good start…the crucial step will be to ensure there are consequences for those who perform the cut on their girls”. Former President, Omar Al – Bashir, who was a dictator but was overthrown during a ‘coup’ in 2019, led Sudan whilst FGM was only banned in some states of Sudan but not nationally. However, as Sudan sought to take the same political path as Egypt, this enabled and empowered women to become leaders and part of the government – which promoted the necessity of change and for FGM to be completely eradicated.

‘I will perform the circumcision themselves’

The prominent issue of families taking matters into their own hands to perform the home – grown tradition of FGM on their own children. The question really is, how will the authorities know this is happening and how will they be aware that a child has gone through this. What are the barriers that authorities have put in place to prevent this from happening? This alone explains why organisation such as Scarlet Udaan are important as they seek to raise awareness globally, to ensure that this tradition is completely eradicated. Simply because this is a direct invasion of privacy of young women’s bodies, as majority of the time, these women do not desire to experience this but are forced to out of social pressures and expectations on them.

If there are laws why is FGM still widely practiced?

African countries such as Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Liberia and many more, have proposed “draft legislation”. More importantly, even though law is made it is “under enforced” and there are rarely any “prosecutions”. Law is essentially created to ensure that there is order and safety over citizens and with these there are consequences if they are broken. However, if there are no penalties for ones’ actions or the country fails to enforce the law effectively/fairly, this demonstrates their inability to protect the rights of their citizens, and in this case the lives of young women and girls.

Although in some African countries, the practice of FGM has been criminalised but it seems as though in countries such as Tanzania and Mauritania, the practice of FGM is only prohibited on girls under 18 years of age. Inconsistencies such as these, hinder the freedom and the right to privacy women ought to have, they are not less of a human.

Most legislation that is in place seeks to prosecute the person who directly performs the FGM on the young woman, however, we seem to forget those who abet, arrange, or request the practice ought to be held accountable as well.

Furthermore, FGM still occurs as there seems to be a reciprocal interest of maintaining power between protectors of traditions and cultures and the protectors of political institutions and power. Thus, FGM is still likely to be practiced, as the eradication of FGM cannot be fulfilled easily because awareness of the practice and its consequences are not commonly spread amongst the nation, especially in the rural parts of Africa and lacks awareness within the political leadership of the indigenous systems. In addition, FGM is still practiced in Africa, as the post – colonial African leaders have shown less concern to the issue of FGM because they too have easily supported the arguments about the cultural, religious and traditional and male – dominated arguments in support of FGM practice.

However, as the Government of a country ought to protect its citizens, they hold the burden of political responsibility to intervene in the practice of FGM, as it has been “identified as a gross violation of human rights on women” and thus, the respect for and protection of human rights rests within the constitutional responsibility of individual African states.

What have other countries done about this?

Many countries have greatly attempted to encourage countries to eradicate FGM. This was evident, in the 1930’s, where the British House of Commons had a committee arranged to discuss how and what could be done to eradicate the practice. This committee included members of Parliament at the time but also during a conference in 1931 for African children, individuals who represented the Western world called for the abolition of the barbarous custom by law. As a result, it is up to those within the political sphere of African countries, to raise awareness of the tragic consequences which follow on from performing FGM and being victim to it as well. Also, to emphasises how this traditional practice is in direct violation of the rights of young women and girls. Their years of ignorance of condoning this tradition, demonstrates how the government values ancient practice over women’s bodies.

How can you help?

This week we are supporting Scarlet Udaan, to highlight the work they are doing to help eradicate FGC worldwide. Through this, we hope that we’re one step closer to achieving justice for FGC victims and that all nations will realise the importance of protecting young women from experiencing pain from this practice.

Follow Scarlet Udaan on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn – get involved with any of their upcoming campaigns and conferences, in their effort to eradicate FGM with other companies.

In fact, on the 5th September 2020, they will be holding an online webinar via Zoom (link available in their Instagram bio), where you will be “Understanding Female Genital Mutilation and the Story of an FGM survivor” from a Human Rights Activist.

For more information, follow all of their socials:

Instagram: @ScarletUdaan

Twitter: @ScarletUdaan

LinkedIn: @Scarlet Udaan

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. In a few days, watch out for another take on FGM from another perspective!