Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) can be defined as ‘all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons,’ explains the World Health Organisation. Approximately 7.9 million women and girls in Tanzania have undergone FGM, with percentages increasing in areas like Arusha.
The facts
- FGM is commonly believed to be the necessary means to secure female virginity, reduce sexual desire and subsequent promiscuity, and to improve fertility.
- Women who have not been cut are often subject to social stigma: often insulted by their peers and looked down upon by the families of potential suitors, who may prohibit their son from marrying into families which do not practice FGM.
- If a man does choose to marry an ‘uncircumcised’ girl, the view is taken that this man has ‘done the girl a favour’. Within such a marriage, the girl is likely to be discriminated against by her in-laws.
- There’s no doubt that the prevalence is FGM is unaided by Tanzania’s (and to a wider extent, Africa’s) widespread sexual taboos. It’s been reported that sexual behaviour is a highly sensitive subject, and is rarely discussed between adults and young people.
What’s being done?
Despite the pervasiveness of this practice, there is hope for women and girls in Tanzania. The Tanzanian Government have put in place a number of measures to combat FGM; an example being an amendment passed by The Parliament of Tanzania which specifically prohibits FGM. However, this law only applies to minors, and is often ignored.
Still, individuals across the country have taken matters into their own hands by providing ‘safe houses’ for girls fleeing their communities due to the threat of FGM.
FGM is an incredibly complex issue – simple changes in law and health policy often seem to lack the ammunition needed to break historical, religious, and cultural norms. However, be assured that efforts are being made and slowly, change is happening.
How you can help
Charity 28toomany are a UK based anti-FGM charity working to end FGM in Africa through research, building community networks and advocacy. You can support them here.
Dr Ann-Marie Wilson, Founder and Executive Director, said of the issue:
“Government support of initiatives against FGM is vital but laws alone are not enough to prevent it. Education and awareness programmes are key to ending FGM and our work supports not only top-level organisations, but also the grass-roots organisations and individuals whose work at community level is essential to bring about change.”
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