By Sulayman Waan in URR
Cross-section of women leaders in the Wuli East, Wuli West and Sandu Districts of the Upper River Region North have expressed concern over the health complications of Female Genital Mutilation and convey regrets of the practice previously.
The women made the remark in a sideline interview with The Voice during a GAMCOTRAP sensitization forum at Baja Kunda on June 17th; aims to accelerate the abandonment of FGM in the country; enlighten them on FGM health effects as well as laws that prohibit the practices in the country.
Hawa Jallow, a resident of Sareh Elli village in Wuli East said the health complication associated with it and agony involved in this harmful traditional practice cannot be over emphasized, saying this practice causes excessive bleeding and unthinkable pain on young children.
“FGM also have long term health effects that affects girls when they are mature includes- during sexual intercourse, menstruation and delivery periods; therefore, it should be absolutely abolished,” she said.
. “My first children have under gone the practice, but the others who are yet to undergo FGM; I will do my best to protect them from this practice. I’m advising all my fellow women to discourage the practice since there are health consequences that affect our girl child,” she added.
Kumba Jallow, also a participant said FGM is a harmful practices that was initiated by the primitive people due to their ignorance of its health effects. She added that hence the masses are empowered with the right information and have realized its effect on women health; therefore should it come to end in the country.
She also expressed that “FGM has numerous health complications that affects the wellbeing of women and girl child in the society.”
“I went to a health centre for medication; I found there two women who were in labour. One lady was a circumcised woman, but the other was not cut. However, during the delivery process the uncut woman find it easier than the cut one,” Mrs Jallow narrated.
According to her, FGM would never be practice on earth while calling on all and sundry to get rid of this harmful practice, saying it is detrimental to the health of women and girls.
Khadijatou Damba, Ex-circumciser described FGM as a terrible practice on women and girls, adding with the empowerment she received through such programmes has enable her to stopped the practices owing to the serious health effects and pains associated with it.
“FGM victims find it difficult to give birth easily, encounter lots of pains and prolong labour. These victims also experience ill health compare to the uncut women,” The ex- circumciser added.
Sinsu Bah, the Lady Councillor for Wuli East also described FGM as harmful and illegal in the society because it is against women human rights.
Meanwhile, they all assured to support the crusade to ensure that FGM is completely eradicated in their communities. They advised all women to keep away from the practice.
