07 June, 2012

FGM is halting female rights advancements in Somaliland

FGM is halting female rights advancements in Somaliland

The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is not only abhorrent but it is a denial of rights.

This is the opinion of Somaliland's Minister of Religion and Endowments Hon Sheikh Khalil Abdilahi, who voiced his concerns at an FGM awareness-raising workshop held by the National Organization of Women, reports the Somaliland Sun.

He stressed that future generations of women should be protected from the practice and said "FGM is not an Islamic practice".

Also speaking at the event was Deputy Health Minister Hon Nimo Hussein Qawdan, who stated that women can only take their proper place in the country's society once the destructive practice of FGM is completely eradicated.

"If girls were given same educational opportunities [as] boys there would have been more women ministers in the country" she added.

In Africa an estimated 92 million girls or more have undergone FGM, states the World Health Organization.

Posted by Martine Ward



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