Dear readers, dear readers,
As we say at home, “ he knows it’s over for me yé » (literally “it’s heavy on my mouth” to say “I’m overwhelmed”).
For this March 8, 2024, I did not want to write a post. Not because I no longer find interest in it, but because I wanted to take the time to read what others were going to produce.
Then the shock…
But a few days ago, I literally took my breath away when I heard, on Radio France Internationale (RFI), the testimony of a woman who was a victim of excision during her adolescence. I had to stop at the side of the track to catch my breath.
A sad girl – Photo: Pablo via Iwaria.com
I listened to this victim talk about the incredible pain she felt during and after this despicable act. A big knot formed in my stomach and my breathing was cut off for a moment… In addition to the unbearable physical pain she suffered, I don’t dare tell you about the psychological suffering that excision caused her. The consequences of excision are very serious, they last a lifetime, and this woman still suffers them today.
We excise again and again…
On this March 8, International Women’s Rights Day, the cruel and unbearable reality is here: Women and girls are still being excised throughout the world and especially in Africa.
This barbaric practice continues to destroy the lives of millions of girls and women. The efforts made to eradicate this violation of women’s rights seem insufficient. This evil continues to strike entire generations, leaving indelible physical and psychological scars. The practice is deeply rooted in some culturesperpetuated by social norms and erroneous beliefs about God, ancestry, sexuality and femininity.
On a physical level, acute pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and even death are among the main consequences. On a psychological level, deep trauma, self-esteem problems and difficulty establishing intimate relationships constitute the fallout.
In my language, Ewe, excision is indicated by “ female genital mutilation ”, which means “female genital mutilation” in French. Yes, the practice consists of removing all or part of the external genitalia of girls and women. An act often performed without anesthesia and in precarious hygienic conditions.
Let’s try…
To put an end to excision, it is essential to raise community awareness of these dangers. We must strengthen laws and policies to protect women’s rights. Access to adequate sexual and reproductive health services is also an important measure. Furthermore, promoting the economic and educational empowerment of women and girls is a good barrier to reducing this practice. Yes, excisers make a living from this profession and/or think they are carrying out a vital profession, we must bring them to take a place other than that in society.
On this day of mobilization for women’s rights, let’s try to make our voice heard against this inhumane practice. Let’s try to support initiatives that fight against this form of discrimination that is excision.
The theme of this year’s March 8 celebration is “Investing in Women: Accelerating the Pace.” Our personal and collective investment in the fight against excision must also accelerate. What can each of us do to help reduce excision where it is still practiced? Let’s ask ourselves the question.
Together, let’s try to build a future where no woman will fear excision. This may seem utopian… but LET’S TRY…