Africa: Maternal Mortality, a Human Rights Catastrophe Sep 18, 2009
Maiga, U.N. special rapporteur on the rights of women in Africa, continued: "Socio-cultural practices such as early marriage, early pregnancy, violence, female genital mutilation, marginalisation in decision-making regarding issues that concern women, low status of women within the African family, and the fact that women are not enabled or permitted to plan their pregnancies - each of these factors leads to maternal mortality, an issue that can be addressed and prevented if we tackle it as a... (allAfrica.com)
An Interview With the World's Leading Sex Change Surgeon Sep 16, 2009
"I think if you feel it in your heart and soul and you feel it s something you have to do . then you have to do it. The Story of Dr. Marci Bowers Bowers is not only a leading expert in the field of genital reassignment surgery -- or gender-confirming surgery, as she likes to call it -- but she was also a patient at one time. I had a very typical story, she said. I felt differently from a very early age and I largely hid things from my parents. I grew up in a small southern Wisconsin town in a... (Fox News)
Nigeria: Trafficking From Country Rises Sharply Sep 12, 2009
The meeting raised several issues such as rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, access to education, and violence against young girls. A joint statement resulting from the conference will be submitted to the G8 foreign affairs ministers meeting at the U.N. General Assembly later this month. (allAfrica.com)
Visa to protect women at risk: govt Sep 9, 2009
"For example, it is not certain that a girl who would face a real risk of female genital mutilation would always be covered by the Refugees Convention, whereas she would be covered under complementary protection," Immigration Minister Chris Evans said in a statement. "Women at risk of so-called honour killings can also potentially fall through gaps in the Refugees Convention definition.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Desert Flower Sep 5, 2009
Hormann interjects: "Waris originally said, 'you have to make me a promise, I do not want a solely political, female genital mutilation movie. I want to be entertained, I want young kids to see this movie and to laugh and to cry and to be entertained'. "And I thought that was the most difficult thing she was asking me, to get that balance between drama and comedy ... " Dirie made a powerful speech to the United Nations as she began her campaign to highlight the brutality of female genital... (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Medical groups may recommend procedure on boys, but opponents say benefits exaggerated Sep 3, 2009
Her organization views male circumcision as akin to female genital mutilation, a practice widely condemned by physicians and human rights advocates. It is illegal to perform female circumcision, which involves partial or total removal of the genitalia or other genital injury, in the U.S. on girls younger than 18. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
Pioneering surgery for female circumcision victims Sep 3, 2009
The health dangers involved in this procedure, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), are increasingly well-known and have lead to international efforts to ban the practice ... " Dr. Foldes estimates he has operated on more than 3,000 women at his hospital in France. Because female genital mutilation is a crime in France, Dr. Foldes was able to get the French public health system to reimburse the cost of the operation and now roughly 70 percent of his patients receive treatment for free.... (CNN -- Health)
Kenya: Murugi in War On the Female 'Cut' Sep 1, 2009
Nairobi Thirty-seven communities in Kenya are still carrying out female genital mutilation 10 years after the government banned it ... The 10 women who received 20 cows have offered seven heifers, which will be given to other circumcisers in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). (allAfrica.com)
SF court orders reconsideration of mutilation case Aug 25, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal court is ordering the U.S. government to reconsider the asylum claim of an Indonesian man whose daughter suffered female genital mutilation as an infant while still at the hospital. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected Monday the Bureau of Immigration Appeal's denial of the application Bob Benito Benyamin submitted for himself and his family. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Ghana recorded 22,541 HIV/AIDS cases last year Aug 25, 2009
He also mentioned rape, defilement, prostitution, Female Genital Mutilation and the biological make up of the female reproductive organ as other vulnerability factors. Mr Brefo-Boateng said the Metropolis recorded 177 HIV/AIDS cases last year, bringing the prevalent rate to 2 per cent, which according to him was an improvement on the 370 cases recorded in 2007, with a prevalent rate of 2. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Big Changes to Namibia's Child Law Aug 21, 2009
The most widely-known is female genital mutilation, which however doesn't occur in the Southern African region. South Africa is different from Namibia though, in its governmental setup and its constitutional provision on non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. (allAfrica.com)
Women must partner government to eradicate superstitious beliefs Aug 10, 2009
She said the Gambaga Witch Village, Trokosi practices in some parts of the Volta Region, the female genital mutilation and the widowhood rites needed to be eradicated. This would pave way for women to make the expected impact on social and spiritual development of the country. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Liberia: New History for Women And Girls (part I) Aug 6, 2009
Others expressed concern that the Government's efforts to combat female genital mutilation and gender-based violence were weak ... The delegation acknowledged that female genital mutilation was a problem, and said the Government intended to use the Convention as an advocacy tool to combat it. (allAfrica.com)
Antichrist Director Lars von Trier Jul 29, 2009
Qector Lars Von Trier on his film Antichrist - TIME. " She was very nice to me. In one scene the female character saws through her husband's leg, and in another the male character ejaculates blood. Is this the darkest film you've ever made? Yeah, it could be. Pause. Yeah, yeah. Probably. What am I going to do now? I have no idea. The script calls for Gainsbourg to simulate cutting off her own clitoris. How did you make her feel comfortable with that? I don't think she was uncomfortable with it.... (Time.com)
Kenya: Doctors Asked to Stop Female Cut Operations Jul 22, 2009
Nairobi Doctors and nurses were on Monday asked to desist from carrying out female genital mutilation in their clinics. Health experts and human rights activists said the doctors' performing of "the cut" was making the harmful practice more acceptable. (allAfrica.com)
Far From United Jul 14, 2009
According to one of Britains most prominent human rights campaigners, Peter Tatchell, the cleric al-Qaradawi supports female genital mutilation, wife beating, the execution of homosexuals in Islamic states, the destruction of the Jewish people, the use of suicide bombs against innocent civilians and the blaming of rape victims who do not dress with sufficient modesty. THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND IN RETREAT. (Townhall.com)
Uganda seeks to ban female circumcision Jul 13, 2009
Museveni's move to ban female circumcision is in line with other countries and organizations that have sought to decrease the prevalence of female circumcision, also known as female genital cutting or female genital mutilation ... But in nearby Kenya and Tanzania, where female genital mutilation is illegal, the practice is still rampant because people are not sensitized to the health consequences of circumcision and laws are not enforced, said Godfrey Odongo, an Amnesty International Uganda... (CNN -- World)
Uganda: Country to Get Law Against Female Circumcision Jul 3, 2009
Launching a campaign against female genital mutilation in Nakapiripirit in Karamoja, Museveni described the practice among the Sabiny and Pokot communities as brutal and backward ... She thanked women leaders for their tireless efforts in stopping the "terrible practice of female genital mutilation". (allAfrica.com)
Gambia: Reaching the FGM/C Tipping Point Jun 19, 2009
"This is what we're aiming at to stop female genital mutilation and cutting in The Gambia." ... Twenty-four community represenatives in Gambia's Upper River Region on 12 June signed a public declaration abandoning female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C), in the presence of government officials, village chiefs, women's groups and international development agencies. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: African Union Emphasises Children's Survival Jun 17, 2009
The Act specifically prescribes that every Nigerian child is entitled to rest, leisure and enjoyment of the best attainable state of physical, mental and spiritual health; every government in Nigeria shall strive to reduce infant mortality rate, provide medical and health care, adequate nutrition and safe drinking water, hygienic and sanitised environments, combat diseases and malnutrition, support and mobilise through local and community resources, the development of primary health care for... (allAfrica.com)
Sunday's TV: Random Acts Of Kindness Jun 16, 2009
Elsewhere, experts argue about such issues as the role of women in Muslim society, the strictness or otherwise of Sharia law, the practice of female genital mutilation and the use of head and body coverings among Muslim women. Fundamentalist Muslims get their say but the documentary-makers' preference for moderate Islam is never in doubt. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Toward a Bioethics of Love Jun 5, 2009
Nor do we permit female genital mutilation on a child. Yet in both those cases, without it, the child would grow up a stranger in his own family. (The American Conservative)
United in Hate (Part II) Jun 2, 2009
And force little girls to undergo female genital mutilation ... They also keep raising the pointless factoid that female genital mutilation (FGM) predates Islam in parts of Africaas if thats relevant today. (Townhall.com)
United in Hate May 26, 2009
The radical left also lies about the nature of female genital mutilation (FGM), a savage practice in which a little girl has her labia and clitoris cut out without anesthetics in order to keep her from enjoying sex. In 2007, when David Horowitz attempted to raise the issue of FGM during a speech at Emory University, angry protestors chanted thats not Islam. (Townhall.com)
CHRAJ records low domestic violence cases in East Mamprusi May 18, 2009
Mr Salifu said in 2008 CHRAJ carried out an awareness and educational campaign on female genital mutilation, domestic violence as well as economic, social and cultural rights in some 30 communities. He said CHRAJ had received six cases at its Gambaga office this year and that they would soon embark on a vigorous campaign to ensure that people adhered to safeguarding human rights. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Everyones watching how we deal with torture May 15, 2009
Kirk O wrote on May 14, 2009 2:06 AM:" Well, here goes.ShawnS --- I suspect you will doubt my sincerity, but truly, thank you for your service. 21 years is a long time at anything these days. However, before we get too carried away with extreme examples, with the exception of the female genital mutilation, I have seen and it continues to be all too common in America TODAY to see all of those behaviors against women right here at home. (Call Martas House and ask about the rampant abuse.) We... (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Jamie Glazov: The Left Is 'United in Hate' May 2, 2009
Before 9/11, feminist groups had a nascent campaign building against the subjugation policies of Muslim regimes, with a particular focus on the Taliban in Afghanistan and female genital mutilation. Yet female genital mutilation continues. (Newsmax)
Irish Judge says State protection from FGM available in Ghana Apr 28, 2009
There is sufficient evidence of the existence of state protection for those threatened with female genital mutilation (FGM) in Ghana to justify refusing a Ghanaian woman asylum. The available country of origin information suggests that the weaknesses of the state protection system in Ghana is more due to a reluctance on the part of the general population in the northern part of the country to report incidents of FGM to the authorities than to an attitudinal problem on the part of the police. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FC... Apr 20, 2009
Dr. Leonore Tiefer of Albert Einstein College of Medicine criticizes the trend in FGCS. According to Dr. Tiefer, FGCS should be no more acceptable than female genital mutilation (FGM): the ritual of (also called Pharaonic circumcision). FGM widely practiced in the Horn of Africa. (Suite101.com)
Actors to follow up 'Vagina Monologues' Apr 18, 2009
V-Day is a global movement that generates attention toward violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery. By hosting creative events, raising money and campaigning, V-Day draws college students and local volunteers to help share the group's message. (Ohio State University -- The Lantern, OH)
Afghan women among most vulnerable in world Apr 16, 2009
Female genital mutilation, however, is not practised in Afghanistan. Ownership rights. (Globe and Mail)
West Africa: Genital Repair Surgery Remains Prohibitely Expensive Apr 11, 2009
Ouagadougou Amid high demand from victims of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) for clitoral reconstruction surgery available in Burkina Faso, the procedure remains unaffordable for most. "The demand is very high in Burkina Faso and from neighbouring countries," said Michel Akotionga, one of the first gynaecologists in Burkina Faso to perform the reconstructive surgery. (allAfrica.com)
Africas Evil: An Examination Apr 4, 2009
Using universal human rights values as tools to address these evils, Ghanaian public intellectuals are taking on juju-marabout mediums messing up their system; early marriages and betrothal of women that obstruct their progress such as going to school; female genital mutilation and its physiologically negative implications; human sacrifices that are murders; witchcraft as responsible for varied misfortunes that destroy human agencies; the killing of people (mostly women) accused as witches; the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Malawi: Female Genital Mutilation Being Conducted on the Quiet with Young Girls Exposed to Infections and to HIV Mar 25, 2009
Research carried out by the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has revealed that in some parts of the southern region Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is very quietly happening. Shrouded in secrecy, the practice continues to take place and exposes girls to HIV infection without any challenge because no one will talk about it. (allAfrica.com)
Domestic violence is still a problem in Ghana - Director Mar 10, 2009
Mr. Khalid suggested the abolishment of early marriages, elopement, female genital mutilation and other forms of cultural discrimination that undermined the continuous access of girls to education and their future development. He said government was committed to ensuring the effective contribution of women in all aspects of national life hence it's pledge to provide 40 per cent of positions to women in public offices as stated in the NDC party's manifesto. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Police probed over woman's murder Mar 9, 2009
A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said it would work with Whitehall on non-devolved domestic violence matters as well as on issues such as honour violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Bookmark with. (BBC News -- UK)
Hillary Clinton writes for TOI: Invest in women, beat downturn Mar 8, 2009
Honour killings, maiming, female genital mutilation, and other violent and degrading practices that target women are still tolerated in too many places today. Just a few months ago, a young girl in Afghanistan was on her way to school when a group of men threw acid in her face, permanently damaging her eyes, because they objected to her seeking an education. (India Times, India)
V-Day Concord benefit this weekend Mar 6, 2009
V-Day generates broader attention for the fight to stop violence against women and girls, including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation and sexual slavery. To learn more about VDay Concord, visit the Network for Women's Lives' or call Carolyn Waters Obin, MMRP director at 508-832-0997. (Concord Journal, MA)
'Vagina' takes a stand against sexual violence Mar 3, 2009
The audience seemed to hold its collective breath as the spotlight monologue discussed the atrocities surviving in many parts of Africa, including sexual violence, widespread sexually transmitted infections and female genital mutilation. The UMKC Women's Center, located on the first floor of Haag Hall, sponsors a wide variety of events in addition to the V-Day movement, including the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event for men who take a stand against the rape and sexual assault of women. (University News, MO)
Growing Danger From Post-birth Bleeding Mar 2, 2009
(June 2, 2006) The first comprehensive study of the effects of female genital mutilation on women and babies during childbirth has been published by leading medical journal, The. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Britain and its Muslims: Worse than ever Feb 28, 2009
But on certain forms of absolutely unacceptable behaviour such as homophobia, forced marriage or female genital mutilation the government would firmly enforce the law with no regard for a cultural oversensitivity that had gone too far. Her speech suggests that a debate within the cabinet on which war to prioritise the one over ideas and values or the one against terrorism is unresolved. (The Economist)
CHARAJ makes strives in Upper East Feb 27, 2009
Mr Augustus Atibila, the Regional Public Education Officer of CHRAJ, said most of the harmful cultural practices including widowhood rites, female genital mutilation, tribal marks, elopement, betrothal that were predominant and were against the abuse of human rights had now been minimized due to the education programme that were embarked upon by his outfit. He appealed to other development partners especially anti-human rights abuse organizations to support CHRAJ by collaborating with it in the... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Nigeria: Human Rights Record in 2008 'Poor,' Says U.S. Feb 27, 2009
There are also cases of "domestic violence and discrimination against women; female genital mutilation (FGM); child abuse and child sexual exploitation; societal violence; ethnic, regional, and religious discrimination; trafficking in persons for the purpose of prostitution and forced labour; and child labour," says the report. It also claims that credible reports indicate that the police used excessive force to quell violence during the ethno-religious conflict in Jos North Local Government... (allAfrica.com)
Uphill battle to shake the bias Feb 22, 2009
Isatou Touray from Gambia spoke of the pain of betrayal by Islamic male ulamaks (clerics) in her region who lied to the people claiming that female circumcision (politically correctly known as female genital mutilation) is an injunction of Islam ... Female genital mutilation is just meant to control the sexuality of women ... It is a way of controlling the body of women and denying women their (sexual) pleasure, said Isatou whose work in activism includes trying to eliminate female genital... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Female genital mutilation among Israel's Negev Bedouins has virtually disappeared -- BGU study Feb 21, 2009
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL February 20, 2009 A follow-up study by researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Beer-Sheva has determined that the once prevalent custom of female genital mutilation (FGM) among Israel's Bedouin population in the Negev has virtually disappeared ... The World Health Organization has made the eradication of female genital mutilation a major goal in Africa, Asia and Australia ... "Disappearance of Female Genital Mutilation from the Bedouin Population of... (EurekAlert!)
V for Vagina: a demand to end violence against women Feb 20, 2009
Each monologue was given powerful, deliberate titles like "My Angry Vagina" and "Reclaiming Cunt." Interwoven with the monologues, however, Ensler also wrote separate pieces that are very straightforward statistics and talk of the violence happening today, such as female genital mutilation. This ties The Vagina Monologues into V-day, a charity that Ensler is also the founder of. (The Seahawk, NC)
• Compassion to action Feb 20, 2009
Theater goers may feel angry and uncomfortable with the stories, ranging from female genital mutilation to war crimes, torture and decades of imprisonment - and that's OK, said director Tony Mannen. "We are so comfortable in the USA we bitch about the snow or the price of a gallon of gas, but these people, these are stories of survival. These atrocities still happen, every day," Mannen said. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Three Minister-Nominees vetted Feb 18, 2009
Mr Asum-Ahensah also told the Committee that during his stewardship inhuman cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), trokosi, and widowhood rites would be become things of the past. Mrs Alhassan was virtually let off the hook with just three questions about how she intended to represent the interest of her people as Minister of State at the Presidency, how she intended to get the Presidency to address the needs of rural communities and when she finished school. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
FGM group 'kidnaps journalists' Feb 10, 2009
Journalists have condemned the reported abduction on Saturday of four women reporters by supporters of female genital mutilation. Reports say the female kidnappers accused the women of insulting their traditions by criticising the practice. (BBC News -- Africa)
Gambia takes on as National Program UAB project to abolish FGM Feb 7, 2009
The exceptional relevance of achieving this goal becomes apparent if one takes into account that only ten years before the Gambian government had prohibited any type of awareness-raising activity related to female genital mutilations as a response to the aggressiveness of some NGOs towards this issue ... Due to the growing demographic weight of the Gambian community in Spain it is possible that conflict situations related to female genital mutilations could become a common problem in the near... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
