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SUNDAY
Cheptoik and
Chelimo at their
mother's grave
WHAT IS FGM?
According to the United Nations Population
Fund (UNFPA), FGM is a procedure that
involves the partial or total removal of the
external female genitalia for majorly cultural
reasons. UNFPA estimates that more than
125 million girls in 29 countries in Africa
and the Middle East have gone through
FGM.
In Uganda, it is practised by the Sabiny
in Kapchorwa, Kween and Bukwo districts
where at least 50% of women and girls
undergo it. It is also practised among the
Pokot and Tapeth in Amudat, Nakapiripirit
and Moroto, where 95% of women and girls
undergo the practice.
A 2007 report on FGM by the World
Health Organisation notes that FGM reflects
a deep-rooted inequality between sexes,
and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It further states
that FGM has no use, no health benefits
whatsoever and is just out to harm women
and girls.
Apart from the pain, Dr. Peter Kivunike of
the Ministry of Health, says complications
like shock, bleeding, tetanus and or sepsis
(bacterial infection), urine retention and
injury to genital tissue can occur.
He adds that FGM can lead to even more
intense conditions like recurrent bladder
and urinary tract infections, cysts, childbirth
complications, maternal and newborn
deaths.