A community discussion on FGM took place in July, attended by thirty people from different sections of society living in Galkayo.
The program included community members sharing information on circumcision in Galkayo, and finding effective measures to prevent female genital mutilation in Galmudug areas by using the media, local leaders, and women working in the community.
The thirty participants included women’s rights activists, scholars, leaders, youth, government officials and city reporters. 15% of those people were found to be aware of the problem of circumcision but did not have the power to stop it. During the discussion and exchange of information, 80% of the participants understood and accepted the official information about female genital mutilation and agreed to work to solve the problem.
“FGM girls who live in displacement camps are at risk of dying”
Maymun Ali Nur Gayfane
The chairman of the Mudug Regional Aviation Association, Maymun Ali Nur Gayfane, said that the Mudug Region, especially Galkayo, is prone to violence against women. Maimoun mentioned that just that week ten girls living in the displaced camp in Galkayo town were subjected to FGM. All the girls who underwent FGM experienced severe bleeding and risk of death, with no hospital or medical facilities nearby to deal with their condition.
Peace Mohamed Hassan Gardane of the Mudug state cultural order described the formation of genital mutilation as a “community-based violence”. Shukri Abdilahi, who works against violence against women, stated:
Although the girls have become accustomed to circumcision, they have an undue influence on their memory, including the pain they undergo during the days of circumcision when they take it, during maternity, and mental illness that excludes education and entery into the community.
All women and stakeholders present agreed on the importance of stopping this ritual which is not validated by religion, culture or the health of girls and women. The program therefore highlighted the importance of participating in the community to find a solution to end FGM.
