The government and members of the public are not doing enough to stop Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C), UNFPA Tanzania Representative, Mariam Khan, said yesterday.
Khan made the remark in a statement issued as the world marked the International Day for Zero Tolerance to FGM/C in which she pointed out that:
“Efforts to its eradication should be directed on and led by the government and the community at large if it is to effect change,” Khan emphasized.
As an example she noted that in Tanzania, FGM/C has been illegal since 1998 yet its prevalence is stable at 15 percent.
“Nothing justifies the continued practice of FGM/C. It is an obstacle to attainment of health, development and human rights goal, not only for girls and women but for all members of society,” she decried.
“In the 21st century no woman or girl should suffer or die due to FGM/C. Addressing the persistent inequalities that negatively affect women’s and girl’s health and well-being is our unfinished business,” she asserted.
FGM/C is a harmful traditional practice that results too often in significant health problems for women and girls and violates their human rights. Research shows that women who have been cut are up to 31 percent more likely to require a caesarean section in delivery.
However, it is deeply entrenched in the cultural practices of the community and often protected by local leaders. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), millions of girls around the world are under threat of FGM/C, despite a century of efforts to end it.
UNFPA reports have it that in the 29 African and Middle East countries where the practice is concentrated, more than 125 million girls and women have been cut.
UNFPA projects that a further 86 million young girls worldwide are likely to experience some form of the practice by 2030, if current trends continue.
Further, babies born to women who have been cut are up to 55 percent more likely to be stillborn.
In the context of delivering, UNFPA is working to eliminate FGM/C interventions. These efforts include educating communities through media and community meetings, raising awareness on repercussions to health for the girls and human rights violations resulting in lost potentials.
Among other people, the organization engages decision makers and community members, including religious leaders. Their task is to change attitudes and identify alternative rites of passage.
The UNIFPA says ending the practice depends on how global and local communities respond.
“Every young girl, regardless of where she lives or her economic status, has the right to fulfill her human potential free from coercion, harm or violence. “
“We can ensure that she does, and we must. The sustainable, equitable, inclusive future we all want depends on the actions we take today to ensure the dignity, health and well-being of every girl,” Khan implored.
FGM/C is being practiced variably in Tanzania but it is most predominant in Manyara 71 percent, Dodoma 64 percent, Arusha 57 percent, Singida 51 percent and Mara 40 percent.