Editorial - Clitoraid

March, 2010 • N°4 • www.clitoraid.org
Editorial
In this 4th issue
Pleasure Hospital news
Volunteers doctors
actions
o 6 new women operated!
o 4 new doctors join cause
Actions around the
world
Financial report 20062009
Video selection
Found on the net
Encouraging news on
excision
« Every year, two million girls suffer the pain
of genital mutilation – a clear violation of
their human rights. No government should
continue to ignore this crime.”
Campain 2009 of Amnesty International
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
1
Pleasure Hospital News
Construction of the Pleasure Hospital is moving ahead ☺
By Lamane Hébié, Pleasure hospital’s project coordinator
We are in the last stages of building the hospital: we finished the major work (main building, septic tank and
drainpipes) about a month ago. We are now finishing indoors and outside columns. Here is what remains to be
done:
Grounds resurfacing
Painting
Making and installation of separations
Lighting and air-conditioners installation
Basins installation
Connection to the city’s network
Connection to the city’s electrical network
All these jobs will be done within 2 months maximum, if the funds needed for their completion are available. We will
need around 30 million FCFA (45 000 Euros / 62 000 $) to accomplish all that.
Here are the last photos taken on March 5th, 2010 ☺
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
2
A Corriere Italian journalist on site
Last November 9 to 10 in Ouagadougou took place the international conference
of the First Ladies of the countries of Kama (spouses of the presidents) on the
fight against excision. After having heard about the “Pleasure hospital” during the
conference, an Italian journalist for the Corriere Della Sera, Cecilia Zecchinelli
Giomalista went with her team to Bobo-Dioulasso the city where the hospital is
being built.
Fatou Traore and Banemanie were interviewed about their excision, about their
sexual life before and after restoration, their feeling and also on the opening of
the hospital and the Raelians’ commitment. Another Italian report will surely be
planned when the Hospital will be functional!
Journalist Cecilia Zecchinelli,
Banemanie and Fatou Traore
Bobo-Dioulasso Clitoraid’s team visiting the Pleasure Hospital last February 6th.
From the left to the right: Mrs. Barry (in charge of AVFE in Bandore), Abi Sanon (Clitoraid assistant coordination Africa), Saly Souratie and
Habibata Ouerme (Clitoraid coordination assistants in Bobo), Banemanie Traore (chairwoman of the AVFE and coordinator of the
Pleasure Hospital project in Africa) and Doma Pelagie Coulibaly (Clitoraid coordinator in Bobo).
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
3
Volunteer doctors actions
Dr Marci Bowers operated 6 new women, last march 1st!
Here is the report from Nadine Gary, in charge of relations with voluntary doctors,
who was in Trinidad Colorado first week of March and made the lives of some very
special girls very different and renewed ☺
The 6 patients are super happy with their new clitoris and labia for some of them. Dr.
Bowers is such a talented artist! Some are feeling some pain because the repair was more
extensive but I think that it will be worth their while.
There was also a returning patient... I saw the end result of the surgery after 9 months... A
very pretty pussy ☺
Nadine
The Good Vibrations store delivered on its promise and a box of goodies arrived that took
our evening workshop with the 7 patients to another level of giggles and fun! We did that workshop just the night
before their surgeries... and they were READY! ☺ That night, our returning patient called me at midnight with
hoooos and haaaaa's... she had discovered a little vibrating "bullet" in the "pleasure purse gift of Good Vibrations
and... had ... well... put it to good use (she had not touched herself since the surgery!!!... But Mama Nadine gave
her a pep talk, LOL .Well I gave them all a pep talk... hope they remember it when they go home...They have lovely
tools for their "physical therapy" ☺
The patients are all hosted in a "guest house" after their surgery. It is a big 2 story colonial home that Carol has
remodeled to host Gender reassignment patients and Clitoraid patients during their recovery. There are 8
bedrooms beautiful decorated, wooden floors, living rooms, dining room with a large family table. You just feel at
home there! Carol is the mother of mothers. She is of Italian descent, a bit boyish (a sticker reading "vaginarian"
ornates her jeep... telling you her menu of choice ☺. She is bubby, she cooks for the patients, stocks up the 2
kitchens with food, goes to get them anything they need. She is a fundamental part of their healing process.
Everyone absolutely loves her!!! "it's all about the love" she keeps repeating in her strong voice (I caught that on
camera... so you will see it at the HA!) She says that ... and every one readily believes it!!!
A word about Dr. Bowers' staff. She has 3 secretaries: Robin, the head secretary (whom I mostly deal with), Janet
and Ann. They all have a heart of gold and will do anything for Dr. Bowers. They all go to pick up and drop off
patients at the airport 2 hours away, always in a good mood. The atmosphere around Dr. Bowers is very
harmonious. They will periodically stop by the guest house with flowers, etc to say hello to the patients, like
sisters... you see? That is the atmosphere that Clitoraid's patients
have the privilege to bathe in!
“I have had a chance to check on
each of the women daily at the
house. Things are going so well! I
gained tremendous confidence this
week, seeing how beautifully
preserved the underlying sensory
tissue was in each and every case
this time. Plus, was able to add so
much in the way of my artistic
impression in terms of recovering
labia and clitoral hooding. Each
clitoris tho was exposed...I am so
optimistic about feedback and long
term success in achieving our
mutual goals... So from here, Africa
here we come!”
Dr Bowers, morning after operations
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
It is also great place for these FGM patients to discuss their
experience and grow past it, it is really the ideal place for them be
after the surgery.
The media present were: The Denver Post, Marie Claire UK, Times
of London UK (those 2 will come out in June), the Documentary
people from Canada and a local media. Few days after, the
Associated Press called too.
At first, the FGM women were very shy to speak to the media but
after my ppt that ended with a slide of UN ambassador Waris Dirie,
they completely changed their attitude. (3 of the women were from
Somalia like Waris) I explained that Waris was a goat herder as a
young girl and that thanks to her bravery and in spite of the threats
she received she is now a UN ambassador for FGM, that she is on
the same level as Angelina Jolie (also UN ambassador). I shared
how much Waris has changed the tradition of FGM.
As soon as I was finished, the journalist for Marie Claire and Times
of London asked who wanted to be interviewed... they ALL did!!!
4
With their ID hidden, but still! There was one patient who lives in Okinawa, Japan. She is originally from the Ivory
Coast, and her grand mother circumcised her at the age of 14. She accepted to be filmed and interviewed without
her ID hidden. She felt very strongly about helping her mutilated sisters.
They are also very happy to share their experience with the AP journalist when she would call.
I have also mentioned that Good Vibrations donated vibrators and goodies for the ladies' rehab and how this had a
big impact on the women whose sexuality has been impaired until now and how this surgery is complete turn
around for their self esteem in terms of liking their bodies and letting go of their inhibitions. During the workshop...
even the most shy of the ladies, was laughing and joking, it was a complete RIOT... several ladies
were Muslim one had a head scarf but boy... everyone loosened up, bless Allah! ☺ The workshop was not
conducted in the nude as Betty Dodson does because, since it was before the surgery it would have been
uncomfortable for them. But their minds were already in a post surgery body! You see... it is all your mind LOL!
A side note... these vibrators required 4 batteries each... the photographer from the Denver Post offered to go buy
the 32 batteries needed... courtesy of yes... the Denver Post! shuuuu... I don't think that this fine humanitarian
gesture will be published in the Post… ☺
Although no media witnessed the workshop to keep it private, the documentary people filmed me from the door so
no patient could be seen but they capted all what everyone said... so this historical moment was recorded... I hope
that we can access it one day.
Please see the YouTube link from the Good Vibrations women wishing the patients "happy recovery! »
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYRNvckrfi4
During his psychology session, Dr. Ashley had showed some of the women a book he had with artistic pictures of
women's vulva. During the work shop, one of the patients shared how surprised she was of the shape of each
vulva, how different one from the other, she said that some of them had such a slender clitoris, it looked the girl had
been circumcised. She did not know women were different "down there". I took advantage of this conversation to
let them know that Dr. Bowers cannot create a new clitoris from thin air, she can only work with the tissue left from
the circumcision and that since each person naturally starts out with a different volume of clitoris, some patients will
end up with a smaller clitoris after the surgery. The important part is to expose the sensitive tissue no matter how
voluminous. (The returning patient who called me at midnight to report her first orgasm described her new clitoris
as a "grain of rice"... but very functional). This note allows the patients to change their expectations and not to be
disappointed after the surgery.
Few days after, when I spoke to one of the patients, she told me that she showed her vibrating toys to her
boyfriend via webcam... of course, he was all hot but she did not show him her new pussy, she was too shy :) in
fact, it was the first time that she saw her own vulva from up close. They shaved her for the surgery and for the
first time she discovered herself. She could not tell what Dr. Bowers had done because she had not payed close
attention to the shape of her vulva before!!! What an education, this whole experience!
Note that I was able to see all the women's vulva during the pre op exam, Dr. Bowers and the patients allowed me
to stay in. 2 of the patients still had their clitoris but the hood had been removed.
Clitoraid its first orgasms under the skillful hands of Dr. Bowers and a whole lot of
patient self-love!
Clitoraid is not only specializes or FGM reversal surgery like other French surgeons do but also provide active
clitoral physical therapy workshops ie... masturbation and consistent follow up with pleasure prescriptions
under the guidance of Dr. Betty Dodson, sexologist.
Beginning of March, a former patient (operated 9 months ago) called Nadine with incredible joy in her voice...
She has been using some of the vibrators that Good Vibrations (SF) had donated to recovering Clitoraid FGM
patients. Nadine had presented these fun "rehab tools" during a sexuality workshop while in Trinidad to all the
patients (new and former ones) to encourage everyone to touch themselves once healed.
It is sometimes a problem, former patients only rely on the surgery (and their partner or husband) to gain back
their sensation and it is just not enough. Self "physical therapy" is needed too! i.e., masturbation... (With a
vibrator, the stimulation is for more adequate.)
After 9 months of not trying her new clitoris, this patient found new vibrating inspiration and sure enough...She
experienced a beautiful orgasm that lasted several seconds!!!! She had experienced a few little ones this past
week, but this one was worth calling Nadine and makes her cry! ☺
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
5
Dr “Fritz” from Philippines joins Clitoraid cause
Dr. Fredelina Espedilla is an aesthetic surgeon and clinical sexologist in the Philippines.
She is a graduate of the Institute for Advanced Studies of Human Sexuality in San
Francisco, California.
Here are her introduction words, expressing also her enthusiasm after training with Dr
st
Marci Bowers to operate 4 women last march 1 in Trinidad, Colorado:
“I am a physician and a surgeon in the Philippines with specialty on aesthetic medicine
and surgery. I am also a clinical sexologist and hold a Masters and PhD in Human Sexuality from The Institute for
Advanced Study in Human Sexuality in San Francisco, California. I have also a Masters Degree in Development
Communication from the University of the Philippines Open University and had been working in the broadcast and
print media in the Philippines for more than a decade now. I have a radio program ("Health Secrets of Dr. Fritz"
over DXAB of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation – Davao), a column ("Meditalk" of the newspaper, Sunstar Davao and the tabloid, Superbalita – Davao) and a TV show ("For Adults Only by Dr. Fritz" over a Davao cable
station). All of these presentations touch about health, sex and relationships.
As an alumnus of IASHS, I came to know about CLITORAID via our continuing forums – as posted by one of my
colleagues in the institute, Felix Clairvoyant. I have learned the pains and horrible agony these women have gone
through and wished to help them – because I know I have the capacity and competence to help them in their
miseries. This is why I traveled from the Philippines to Trinidad, Colorado to learn with Dr. Marci Bowers – so that,
in my own little way, I would be able to alleviate the throes that these women have gone through.
My time in Trinidad, Colorado had been an enriching experience for me as I have met these women before the
operation – as they can’t wait to get to the next chapter of their life. I believe that the day they woke up after
surgery should be the time they should celebrate for a new beginning – to their new life – and pleasure!
As Dr. Marci and I have talked about the plight of these women, she mentioned about the remarkable June event in
Burkina Faso’s Pleasure Hospital, where I could help her in the surgeries of these women. I wish I could get there,
too this June and help these women there and make my contribution to the dawning of their rebirth – and get them
back the pleasure that they have been deprived of through all these years.”
We are very glad and happy to welcome you dear Fredelina, thank you very much for your contribution to help
these women!
3 doctors express their wishes to join the cause ☺
Dr. John Reid, new doctor operated for Clitoraid cause has been in Paris and has understood deeper implications
of locating cases and mastered procedure
2 Iranian doctors practicing in Australia who Zabou, coordinator of Clitoraid actions in Australia, met in Brisbane
understand just how terrible FGM really is and want to directly help the victims by training to be reconstructive
surgeons and are currently in touch with Doctor Marci Bowers, our first volunteer doctor who already operated 3
women (see newsletter n°2) in America.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
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Actions around the world
Abi
In Kama
February 6th, International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
By Abi Sanon
The International Day of Zero Tolerance as to female sexual mutilations, launched on
February 6th, 2010, was a fantastic opportunity of informing women on the possibilities
of reconstitution of the clitoris.
So, in the cities of Bobo-Dioulasso and Ouagadougou, 4 radios and a TV shows took
place.
IN OUAGADOUGOU, several radios shows allowed women to become aware of the
restoration of the clitoris.
First of all, on RADIO ARC-EN-CIEL, on Wednesday, February 3rd, a program was
taped in French with Diana the host of Radio SANWIDI. Lasting 45mn, it was
broadcasted twice, on Thursday at 11 a.m. and on Sundays at 11 a.m. The show was
presented by the guide Alima SIRIBIE, Monique la Prince, DAH Fahir and Edjibié
KANKOUAN. At the end all girls present gave their word by calling of the heart to the
population.
Ouagadougou team
On Friday, February 5th, another show took place, at 11 a.m., in French, with the show host; it was enlivened by
KANKOUAN Edjibié and DAH Fahir and lasted 20min.
Then, on RADIO NOSTALGIA, a live show took place, on Saturday, February 6th, at 11 a.m.; this show, which is
called, "De quoi on se mêle", lasted the whole hour with the host SANE Daouda:
Kankouan Edjibié, Dah Fahir and Ouadba Adriel presented the show.
IN BOBO-DIOULASSO, a TV and a radio shows were broadcasted on the topic of the awareness of sexual
mutilations’ ill effects, the restoration of the clitoris and the Pleasure Hospital.
On RADIO SKYLINE FM, a show was broadcasted live on Saturday, February
6th at 12:10 p.m.: it was held in Dioula and in French and lasted 50 min.
Bishop Banemanie, Abi SANON and Habi OUARME and Mrs. Barry,
Chairwoman of the AVFE in Banfora who came for this event enlivened it.
The same day, on SMTV, a live show was broadcasted at 1:10 p.m.: it lasted
15 min and was enlivened by Bishop Banemanie, Abi SANON and all other
participants (Habi OUARME, Doma COULIBALY, Saly SOURATIE and Mrs.
BARRY) invited the women and girls to contact them for more information.
Bobo-Dioulasso team
Following these shows, we accepted phone calls of the persons wanting to
know more about the restoration of the clitoris and 4 women registered on the
long list of the persons wanting to be restored.
To end in beauty this day, we distributed in our cities, pamphlets which had as topic: “NO to FGM” “YES TO THE
RESTORATION OF THE CLITORIS” and Bobo-Dioulasso’s team went to the Pleasure Hospital in Kamukasso to
party …
About this international event, read also the article of Charlotte Feldman-Jacobs, program director, Gender, at the
Population Reference Bureau, on this link: www.clitoraid.org/news.php?item.38.1
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
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In middle-east
PRESS REVIEW: Clitoraid reaches out to MENA region's women
By Farah Aihashim
21/12/2009
KUWAIT: "My elder sister woke up very early that day and started boiling water on the wooden fire. When the
women arrived, my sister tricked me and asked me to go and give a bar of soap to the old woman in the bathroom;
so silly of me. I ran there to do it fast and once in front of the toilets, two of the women grabbed me by the arms and
put me down on the floor. One was seated on my belly holding my two wrists on my chest, the two others were
holding my feet and the old one was in the middle and they excised me and cut my clitoris away without
anesthesia. It took me two months to heal ..."
The goal of Clitoraid's program is to create real, long lasting changes for women who have been forced to
experience clitoral excision or genital mutilation against their will by rebuilding the female clitoris. A local anesthetic
is applied so no pain is experienced. When the surgeon uncovers the root of the original clitoris left after the
excision, the root and tissues will become the new clitoris. The procedure takes 6 weeks for a woman to completely
heal, with sexual pleasure and genetic normality being the end result.
Most of the women in Burkina Faso cannot imagine having the money for such an operation. For most of them, it
would be like spending two year's salary!
Clitoraid is committed to provide these operations for free to as many women as possible whether in Europe or
Arab world. But in order to provide such a service to the millions who have been mutilated, they will minimize their
operating cost to the minimum having mainly benevolent people involved in the whole process. In addition, they
need the help of others financially.
More than two years ago, following the success met by the project Clitoraid, its founder Raël had declared that
instead of using the money collected by Clitoraid to only operate on some women, the teams should create the first
"Pleasure Hospital" and operate on all African women who would wish to be operated on, free, with the assistance
of volunteer doctors. Immediately the association's volunteers were put to work to realize this fantastic idea thus
answering the significant number of Burkinabé women candidates wanting to undergo the operation and the offer
of many doctors wishing to rebuild the clitoris of all excised women.
This organization is trying to reach out for every woman who is suffering from this problem wither in the Arab world
or Africa, so Al Watan had the chance to speak with one of its representatives in Saudi Arabia.
Donna Grabow is one of those thousands of volunteers who shared their goal in order to spread the goal of this
organization. She said that Egypt is known one of the most countries that practices female circumcision as she
called for awareness in order for these people to understand that it's a crime against humanity.
She also said that Clitoraid is trying to expand their campaign outside the American and European borders by
organization events, lectures and conferences that concentrate on this topic and get people closer to fight a human
cause.
For more information you can stay up to date with all the organization events and news through their website.
Source: www.alwatandaily.com/articleviews.aspx?id=64581&cat=1
In Canada
A faithful team works for Clitoraid everywhere in Canada
By Sylvie Chabot, in charge of Clitoraid in Canada
These last months, we participated in many sex shows in a few cities like Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal and
Vancouver.
Sylvie
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
8
First of all, let me introduce you to Khadra (see the picture). She is the African girl that we've
met in the street of Montreal 2 years ago. She is victim of this terrible brutality.
She came to Toronto to help for the booth Sat and Sun. She is in the process to get her surgery
with Dr. Bowers soon. She is ready to speak publicly about her experience. She was amazing
at the booth, talking to the people about this reality and asking for money to help. Let me tell
you nobody refused her.
The TV crew from Toronto came Saturday to film Khadra before going to Trinidad for the
shooting of their documentary. We have met a big media from New York (McLean magazine)
who wishes to do a story about Clitoraid. We have met a rich man that wants to give his extra
money to our foundation (He already gave 100$ and will give more).
Tanks to the effort of the team we raised 1535$ very good result considering the Olympic
Week-end + the hockey game Sun afternoon ☺
Sexapalooza team
Khadra and Sylvie
Last January, we were at the Ottawa’s Sexapalooza for the third
consecutive year around Syndi Lou’s team. 2,125 $ CDN was collected.
A very special thanks to Pierre Gareau who traveled from Montreal with his
professional photographer’s studio. He was in the booth offering the public
professional photos in exchange for a donation. It was great, because it
attracted a lot of visitors in front of Clitoraid’s booth.
Bravo and thanks to you all! We’re moving on and getting ready for the
next events ☺
In France
Mulhouse action
By Sandrine Belin, in charge of Clitoraid in East of France
“I am neither lawyer, nor doctor, neither politician, nor expert, I am a simple volunteer with a message
of hope brought to all these women who were victims of this barbaric act which the excision is …”
Sandrine
Those are the first words pronounced in front of some 200 - 250 persons gathered during the
symposium against acts of violence done to women on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 organized
by the municipality of Mulhouse in France. A speech that allowed me to introduce CLITORAID
association to the assembly, its actions and its purposes.
The story began barely some weeks ago when I decided to send a personal letter as CLITORAID’s volunteer, to
the city Mayor’s assistant.
The letter touched her a lot and she invited me over. I went,
thrilled but with this little apprehension of having to accomplish
the impossible. Océane Dubray kindly and naturally agreed to
accompany me.
Both full of hopes and dreams we had a very warm-hearted
reception and discovered a woman full of humanity, which
devotes her time and energy for the good. She thanked us for
having contacted her and was very happy of discovering that
some people work for a good cause and we even accepted her
congratulations.
On Wednesday, November 25th, we were at the Paradedemonstration at 10 a.m., Juliet, Marlène, Serge, Océane and
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
Marlène, Oceane and Serge,
9
Clitoraid’s volunteers from the region of Eastern France
myself.150 pamphlets were distributed, 77 posters were spread over the city. I had the opportunity of making radio
interviews for the mass media Dreyeckland and RTL2 and for the newspaper Alsace.
In Sweden
PRESS REVIEW : Hospital for FGMs to be opened in Bobo Dioulasso
By Kenny Stople
Every year, about three million girls are genitally mutilated in the world. The tradition lives on, even though
it is prohibited by law in several countries, including Burkina Faso. Clitoraid is a foundation that works to
provide free surgery to those who have been genitally mutilated. In 2010, open Clitoraid a first hospital in
Burkina Faso, which specializes in carrying out these operations.
One morning when Banemanie in Bobo Dioulasso was 13 years, four older women sat and waited for her near the
lavatories at her house. They had come to her mutilated. The women forced her down on the ground and held her
arms and legs. One of the women held the knife. – “I've never screamed so much in my life. You cannot imagine
the pain. Even when I talk about it today, I get tears in my eyes. Afterwards it was bleeding a lot, it dripped blood
everywhere, "she says.
But the pain did not end with it. Banemanie lost much blood and it took two months before the wound had been
healed, and frequently at female genital mutilation was created severe scars.
Today live Banemanie left in Bobo Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, she is XX years old and working as XX. She was the
first that went through the recovery operation is Clitoraid's help. She says she asked as soon as she was when she
learned of the operation. Now she is working actively for Clitoraid and is a spokesperson limits. “I was very pleased
when I heard about this operation and that it is possible to restore the clitoris. I urge the circumcised women all
over the world and of all ages to hear from himself, to sign up to do the operation. One woman told me that she
thought it was someone's idea because she fifty years, and wondered what it would serve. It is sad to hear it,
because I do not think it matters what age you are. It is never too late, "she says.
SEK 3500 for an operation
The technology to operate mutilated women was developed by the French surgeon Dr. Pierre Folder more than 20
years ago. The operation is to remove scars and to restore the clitoris to the extent possible. The clitoris, as a body
is really between six to ten centimeters long and mostly hidden by the overlying skin. At circumcision as cutting
efforts are not removed the entire clitoris, which makes the surgery can highlight the appropriate part of the clitoris,
which is hidden.
The operation costs about 3500 SEK (500 USD), which unfortunately is a basically insurmountable sum for most
people in Burkina Faso. It may be clarified that this is the cost that applies in Burkina Faso when the hospital is
finished. If the operation is carried out in Europe or the United States, the cost would be even higher, plus the cost
of travel and accommodation will also be higher. Clitoraid has already financed the operations of a number of
women, who have been admitted to the United States or France. But now that the hospital is clear, therefore, will
more and cheaper operations could be performed.
First hospital finished of this year
In May 2007 began the first hospital built in Burkina Faso, in the city of Bobo-Dioulasso. According Banemanie
hospital will become clear this year, 2010. The hospital is known as "Kamkasso hospital", which means "women's
houses". In their promotional use Clitoraid be called "The Pleasure hospital”, but that name was rejected by the
authorities in Bobo-Dioulasso. Clitoraid aims to open more hospitals in strategic locations around the world.
FACTS / CLITORAID
Clitoraid is a foundation whose goal is to help as many genitally mutilated women as possible to regain their dignity
and opportunity for sexual pleasure. This is done by surgically repairing the damage caused by genital mutilation
and to restore the clitoris to the extent possible.
Clitoraid runs a program to inform the mutilated women and communities about the opportunity to have this surgery
for free. Clitoraid also operates a worldwide fundraising campaign to finance operations.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
10
Clitoraid is funding:
* Finance operations, so they are free for genitally mutilated women.
* To train more surgeons to perform operations.
* Build hospitals where the operations can be implemented.
Clitoraid started on 9 September 2004, at the initiative of Raël, leader of the non-profit organization Raëlian
Movement.
FACTS / genital mutilation
According to WHO, is about three million women are circumcised each year. That is, over 8000 girls suffer genital
mutilation every day. It is estimated to be between 130 and 150 million genitally mutilated women in the world.
In English, the term FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) when talking about female genital mutilation.
WHO has classified four types or degrees of FGM:
* I. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and / or clitoris foreskin (klitoridektomi).
* II. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and inner labia with or without excision (cutting away) of the outer labia
majora (excision).
* III. Reduction of the vaginal opening by creating a seal with the cutting and merge the internal and / or external
labia, with or without excision of the clitoris (infibulation).
* IV. All other harmful procedures on the female genital tract of non-medical reasons, such as pricking, incision,
scraping and burning.
SOURCES : WHO, UNICEF, Wikipedia, Clitoraid
In Australia
March 2010, the Clitoraid Team in action again at the annual Sexpo event in Brisbane,
from 4th to 7th march
By Zabou, Clitoraid Oceania coordinator
Wahoo, it was a Fantastic four days and the team came together in fine form raising collectively over
$2800. Again we had an exceptionally positive reaction from the crowd. We found that people who were
aware of FGM were absolutely happy to see that there was an organization that is directly helping the
victims of FGM.
Zabou
They were very interested to learn that we are building a hospital to offer victims reconstructive surgery
and conducting educational campaigns to end this terrible practice. For the bulk of people FGM is new
news and they have no idea that this sort of barbaric behavior exist. They were equally supportive and happy to
help with donations to see an end to this barbarism. They were very pleased to see that we have a pro-active
organization in Clitoraid to help the victims.
We are so lucky to have the support of the Sexpo Organization which is running these events around Australia.
They are very happy to donate a stand for our use and give us plenty of support for access and participation etc.
I wish to thank all who played a part in what has been a true success: Chrissie, Judy, Anna, Ling, Saul, Bertrand,
Brad, Jandy, Doc, Ian, Veronique and Peter. The team was fantastic as always. I take my hat off to Jandy and Doc
in particular who are both true masters at fund raising. We all had a great time and it was one of the best Sexpo’s
we have enjoyed, a truly powerful success. We are very lucky to have this opportunity with Clitoraid to help our
sisters worldwide who are victims of FGM.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
11
CIRCLE OF LOVE FOR CLITORAID AT SEXPO BRISBANE 2010
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
12
2006-2009 Financial report
To this day, we sent 112,115 $ for the construction of the Pleasure Hospital in Burkina Faso.
$181,797.16 $17,965.26
$66,251.79 $38,624.73 $58,761.78
Continents Total
2006
2007
2008
2009
Europe
$82,551.49
$11,522.69
$22,950.08 $15,188.62 $32,793.30
America
$75,245.84
$4,116.90
$33,609.90 $17,015.67 $20,406.57
Asia
$9,914.67
$1,003.06
$5,171.86
$3,567.97
$171.78
Oceania
$4,963.54
$0.00
$2,428.27
$0.00
$2,535.27
Unknown
$3,661.22
$147.61
$426.66
$412.63
$2,674.32
Middle East
$3,330.22
$1,175.00
$902.60
$1,162.00
$90.62
Interest
$2,130.18
$0.00
$762.42
$1,277.84
$89.92
Africa
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$181,603.56 $17,965.26
$66,251.79
$38,624.73
$58,761.78
Country
Total
2006
2007
2008
2009
Italy
$38,962.28
$1,475.97
$10,655.03
$11,019.54
$15,811.74
Canada
$38,195.38
$2,398.70
$12,811.64
$10,822.37
$12,162.67
USA
$36,910.79
$1,718.20
$20,798.26
$6,193.30
$8,201.03
$26,170.18
$7,522.02
$7,533.01
$3,399.35
$7,715.80
Switzerland
France
$15,915.12
$2,520.20
$4,119.51
$449.51
$8,825.90
Korea
$6,925.83
$105.11
$3,333.71
$3,487.01
$0.00
Australia
$3,741.97
$0.00
$1,264.06
$0.00
$2,477.91
$3,661.22
$147.61
$426.66
$412.63
$2,674.32
Other
Japan
$2,560.09
$897.95
$1,409.40
$80.96
$171.78
Interest
$2,130.18
$0.00
$762.42
$1,277.84
$89.92
Saudi Arabia
$1,902.60
$1,000.00
$902.60
$0.00
$0.00
$1,204.87
$0.00
$0.00
$1,162.00
$42.87
UAE
New Zealand
$1,051.57
$0.00
$994.21
$0.00
$57.36
Holland
$868.05
$0.00
$551.84
$23.72
$292.49
Taiwan
$381.00
$0.00
$381.00
$0.00
$0.00
$239.65
$0.00
$0.00
$239.65
$0.00
Slovenia
Israel
$222.75
$175.00
$0.00
$0.00
$47.75
UK
$185.99
$0.00
$66.97
$52.35
$66.67
Polynesia
$170.00
$0.00
$170.00
$0.00
$0.00
Singapore
$47.75
$0.00
$47.75
$0.00
$0.00
$42.87
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$42.87
Haiti
Greece
$28.22
$0.00
$0.00
$4.50
$23.72
Denmark
$23.72
$0.00
$23.72
$0.00
$0.00
Sweden
$47.45
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$47.45
Ireland
$9.53
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
$9.53
Germany
$4.50
$4.50
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
These donations were either received through our Internet Website in PayPal payment, or are the result of the
collection of funds organized by the volunteer teams in each country.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
13
Here is a summary of our expenses:
Pleasure Hospital
$ 79,080
Legal
$ 5,043.37
Doctor training
$ 1,809.11
Public relations (press releases)
$ 950
Operation
$ 177.50
Google adwords
$ 94.15
Other
$ 30.91
Total
$ 87,185.04
Our purpose is to raise a minimum of 250,000.00 US $ at the very least as soon as possible to end the
construction of the hospital and to really begin operations! They count on you!
Selection video
« They took it »
Strong testimony of a mutilated woman:
www.todoomangas.com/video/sArcOzKpugk_Female+genital+mutilation+(they+took+it).html
Flower of the desert
Film on Waris Dirie’s life
A film which relates the true story of a young African woman, Waris Dirie, who became a top model
today and fights against women excision. The movie is coming out in France on March 10th, 2010.
For more information, here is the link to the press kit:
www.bacfilms.com/presse/fleurdudesert/fleurdudesert_dp.pdf
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
14
Found on the net
More on : http://www.fastcompany.com/1570466/infographic-of-the-day-the-female-orgasm-by-thenumbers?partner=rss
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
15
Fun ☺
http://bagatelle.over-blog.fr/article-eternuer-suite--42496883-comments.html
It is not simple to give you a summary of the book “Sneezing in the cauliflower”....
Contrary to what one might think, it is not a comic book, it is a real book, researched well, filled with humor, full of
finesse and never rude, in spite of the subjects treated. The writing of Antonio Fischetti is colorful, clever, the
subjects were illustrated by the drawings of Charb.
Therefore randomly, from time to time, not to bore you, I will give you some excerpts.
I am going to begin with “fruity sweets”, the apricot and the cherry. The female sex is by far, the most eatable body
part!!
The Frenchmen sometimes see it as an apricot,
The Italians a fig (fica),
The Belgians speak about Ballotin (wrapper containing pralines),
The Norwegians a honey cave (Honningrotta),
Venezuelians a doughnut (hallaca),
As well as the Portuguese (patanisca), where it is in generally stuffed with cod...
It’s not a joke (!!!),
Catalans artichoke (carxofa), or kitchen garden (hort),
In Asia it becomes a peanut (kacang), suand if associated to a salty dish
the vulva loses ...
The Englishman describes it as hamburger (bacon sandwich),
And the Norwegian sees a hot dogs stand (Polsebua).
Losing of virginity:
Quebec: lose one’s cherry
England: to jump the cherry, to pop a cherry
Norway: the champagne cork popped, champagnekorken er sprettet
Catalonia: opening the egg shell, obrir the closca has or
Thailand: to pierce the yolk, jo-khai-daeeng
And the Russians say: when a man takes the virginity of a girl, he takes some vitamin H, H for hymen...
As for the clitoris:
In France sometimes Berlingot,
Cuberdon for the Belgians, (a cone-shaped red sugar sweet)
In Spain pipa (large sunflower seed),
In Norway grapes or popcorn,
In Hebrew, it is a cherry (douvedane).
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
16
Encouraging news on excision
Abi
In Europe…
The right of children as seen by a children's judge
By Jean Pierre Roceczveig, President of the children’s court of Bobigny (France)
http://jprosen.blog.lemonde.fr/
10/21/2009
Excision, male circumcision: the power of men over the child!
If we are to believe the last UNICEF report "more than 70 million girls and women were subjected to genital
mutilations in 28 countries of Africa, plus the Yemen". Naturally it is necessary to take this figure as a reference
number revealing the extent of a practice that continues in spite of the resistance that is manifested today, not only
in Western countries, but also in Africa. In the majority, if not unanimously, States condemn it from now on.
It’s still going on. Regularly some people give it a religious legitimacy. The Koran still stands. Happily another
reading of texts imposes itself, which does not allow excision.
For the international community it is not religion that must make law, but legal norms commonly adopted.
As such, the “International Convention on the rights of the child” of November 20th, 1989 forbids, with the
diplomatic language which unfortunately imposed itself, attacks to the physical integrity of a child that are not
justified by medical reasons.
“Article 243. States concerned take all efficient appropriate measures as to abolish detrimental traditional practices
to the health of the children.”
And we are forced to acknowledge that human imagination is fertile to implement men’s domination on women,
adults on children or the group on the individual. Necks are stretched out, feet are compressed, things are
introduce into the vagina, they excise or circumcise, etc. In brief, they mark profoundly or in an indelible way the
other’s body to show that it does not belong to him/her.
Excision is a real amputation of the woman with the aim of preventing her from experiencing orgasm, this pleasure
to be reserved for man. And it is achieved. Women who experience this criminal attack support it less and less and
report this attack. Better they intend to recover their body’s integrity and very much happily, medical technology
allows them to do so as showed remarkably by a report broadcasted yesterday in the newspaper of France 2. Let
us rejoice for them.
The fact remains that it is not a slim affair for each woman, notably on the psychological if not physical level of
following this course to find their fullness; all the more so as they already have to confront their family. They often
make the choice of saying nothing about this reconstruction. Surely, the time will come when they will dare to lead
the battle openly. We must wish it.
In any case the previous generation knew how to rebel and lodge a complaint for been subjected to acts of
violence or to ask for help to avoid being excised.
French justice knew how to help them in the nineties through symbolic trials with strong media coverage here as in
Africa. Women making the excision were condemned, parents sometimes, to 5 to 6 years of prison most of it
without remission.
These trials through the echo given by the debates and sentences surely contributed to enforce the ban. Obviously,
they did not alone prevent new excisions, but they imperative. They increased resistance in Africa and contributed
to eradicate the phenomenon significantly in France.
It is desirable that those who practice this crime abroad, allow it or otherwise encourage it, are punished in France
as is the case in sexual acts of violence, be they French or foreign. French public order and international public
order demand it more than ever in the name of the human rights.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
17
For those who could be shocked that I included the male circumcision in the list of reprehensible sexual mutilations,
I shall add that I do not ignore that consequences to sexuality are obviousness different. Also I acknowledge that
the male circumcision could have imposed itself in the past or can still be necessary for medical reasons, but for
the majority of cases from now on, it is not necessary: except for these rare cases justified by the Faculty, which
answers the need of parents to "mark" their child religiously. Truly, it does not meet the child needs, but the well
understood interest of the adults and this point of view is covered by International convention on the rights of the
child.
It would be time to have a public debate on this subject not to sweep it in front of the door of others.
Norway provides NOK 60 million to promote women’s rights
Press release
www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/ud/press/News/2009/genderequality_fund.html?id=587005
11/24/2009
Norway will provide NOK 40 million (USD 7 million) to UN efforts to combat female genital mutilation and violence
against women in developing countries. At the same time, Norway will contribute NOK 20 million (USD 3.5 million)
to the new UN Fund for Gender Equality.
Globally, every third woman experiences some form of sexual or gender-based violence during her life, according
to UNIFEM.
“The UN plays a key role in mobilizing broad and coordinated efforts against all forms of gender-based and sexual
violence. Our allocations are being made to support the UN in this important work, among other things in order to
combat the use of sexual violence as a weapon in armed conflicts,” commented Minister of the Environment and
International Development Erik Solheim.
Two funds managed by UNIFEM, the Fund for Gender Equality and the UN Trust Fund to End Violence against
Women, will each receive NOK 20 million as part of the Norwegian allocation. In addition, Norway is to give NOK
20 million to the UN Joint Program on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, which is managed by UNFPA and
UNICEF.
Between 100 and 140 million women and girls, the majority of them in Africa, have experienced female genital
mutilation (FGM). The UN’s efforts to promote social change at the local level in Senegal, for example, have
yielded good results. Here, 3300 villages have so far declared that they will abolish the practice of FGM.
“Female genital mutilation is an extreme way of controlling girls’ sexuality and fertility. Eradicating deeplyentrenched power structures and traditions such as female circumcision will take time and must be promoted from
within the local community,” Mr. Solheim said.
Through its allocation to the UN, Norway is seeking to enable actors at grassroots level and other agents of change
to follow up national and international commitments to eliminate gender-based violence.
“Our own experiences form the backdrop for our contribution to the new UN Fund for Gender Equality. The
women’s movement has been crucial for securing women’s rights in Norway. The women’s shelter movement and
the fight for the right to abortion on demand are examples from our recent past,” Mr. Solheim commented.
In 2008, Norway provided NOK 4.8 billion (USD 850 million) in gender-focused development aid. This represented
a doubling of gender-focused aid compared with 2005. From 2005 to 2008 the percentage of total development aid
that could be defined as gender-focused rose from 20 to 30 percent.
In Kama
In Mauritania: A fatwa against excision
http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-233-3484.htm
1/22/2010
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
18
At the instigation of the “Forum of Islamic Thought” and the inter cultures dialogue, in collaboration with the Social
affairs’ ministry, around thirty Ulemas discussed, from January 11 to 12, 2010 in Nouakchott the topic of female
genital mutilations. Very harmful to health, excision is currently practiced in about twenty African countries and
notably in Mauritania.
Unanimously, these religious leaders decided to sign a fatwa, a religious decree, against the practice of excision.
Doctor Sheikh Ould Zein, general secretary of the Forum of Islamic thought, explains the reasons that drove them
to take this decision:
“The essential points on which it is necessary to wonder: really, are there very clear texts in the Koran requiring this
mutilation? They do not exist. This practice comes more from tradition than religious affairs. The other aspect of the
reasoning, it is that our Islam is against any act with repercussions on health. Because of this, today the doctors of
Mauritania are unanimous: this practice undermines human life. It is not an obligation, it is harmful for health. It is
very clear that our Islam is against it.”
Sheikh Ould Zein is persuaded that this fatwa will be a great help for the fight against excision in Mauritania. “It was
a great step forward that was made today. Female excision was a taboo. From today, imams, ulemas are going to
speak about it in their mosque and in their Mahadra. Everywhere, all people who fight in society have to take this
fatwa to persuade the others and say that female excision is not acceptable any more in Mauritania. The ulemas
are saying it, openly and without ambiguity.”
For the scholar Baba ould Mata, speeding up the abandonment of excision also require to facilitate the economic
restructuring of the women who practice it and get 25 euro per operation today.
Uganda bans female circumcision
By Faith Karimi
For CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/12/12/uganda.genital.mutilation/index.html
12/12/2009
The Ugandan parliament unanimously passed a bill banning female genital mutilation, a traditional rite that has
sparked an international outcry and is practiced in some African and Asian communities.
The practice, which involves cutting off a girl's clitoris, is also called female circumcision. In some communities in
eastern Uganda, it is practiced in girls up to age 15.
Convicted offenders face 10 years in prison, but if the girl dies during the act, those involved will get a life sentence,
according to officials in the east African country.
"A majority of Ugandans felt it is a disgusting act, but you have to remember that this is a cultural belief that has
been practiced for generations," said Fred Opolot, the government spokesman. "That's what took the bill so long to
pass."
Human rights activists have decried the practice, which they say poses major health risks for girls and may lead to
death. It also causes complications during sex and child birth, activists say.
"The experience has also been related to a range of psychological and psychosomatic disorders," the United
Nations Population Fund says.
About three million women and girls face female genital mutilation globally every year, and nearly 140 million have
already undergone the practice, according to the United Nations.
Most of the victims live in Africa and Asia, including among some populations in India, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Alice Alaso, a member of parliament in Uganda, said the bill was only a first step.
"We might later amend it to include compensations for women subjected to the practice," Alaso said. "Our goal is to
protect these girls, and we will continue to do so."
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
19
Female genital mutilation has been banned in some African countries, but it is still practiced in some remote, closeknit communities.
Some communities are also shifting toward a less invasive procedure called the 'lesser cut," according to the
United Nations.
"This may be indicative of shifts in awareness .... However, it is still an unacceptable practice," it added.
In Uganda: Women's Empowerment: “Men Are Interested”
Evelyn Matsamura Kiapi interviews CHRIS BARYOMUNSI, Ugandan Member of Parliament
http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48822
10/20/2009
A trident of gender legislation will be debated in Uganda's parliament in November: the Marriage and Divorce Bill,
the Domestic Violence Bill and the Female Genital Mutilation Bill.
One of the voices expected to be heard backing the bills is that of a man: Chris Baryomunsi is the vice chairperson
of the parliamentary committee on social services and well known in Uganda for his defense of women's rights.
He argues that a paradigm shift is needed if gender equality and women's empowerment is to be achieved. In his
view, the term "gender" was largely understood to mean women, excluding men from a movement for women's
rights. Messages of gender equality, he says, must be packaged to convince men to become involved and
participate in the changes.
Baryomunsi participated in a two-day workshop at the end of September intended to enlist men as partners to
advocate for the proposed bills.
The workshop was organized by the Uganda Women's Parliamentary Association (UWOPA) in partnership with
Uganda's ministry of gender, the United Nations Development Fund and the Norwegian government. Excerpts of
his interview with IPS follow.
IPS: Why has there been so much male resistance to passing gender-related legislation in Uganda's
Parliament?
CHRIS BARYOMUNSI: Our society, traditions and the environment have given a lot of powers to men compared to
women, which to me is an injustice. And while these laws are trying to cure that injustice, men view it as part of
their power going away.
As a natural reaction, they would oppose anything, which is taking away their power.
I think what is important is to package the whole issue in a manner that will convince men that we are trying to
empower them so that we can remove these gaps and enjoy our human rights as individuals; not that they are
intended to disempower men and empower women to the disadvantage of men.
But definitely, it is a question of tradition, the environment and society in which we live, where it has become
socially acceptable that the man is more powerful than the woman.
IPS: So why is male involvement important at this time?
CB: Because we are basically tracing the power relations between a male and a female and it is true that in our
society, the balance of power disfavors the female gender. So we are trying to address this balance by empowering
the female so that she can enjoy her rights.
And of course this is now a bargain between the man and the woman. So it becomes very important for the males
to be involved, fully on board and to appreciate the importance of this legislation.
And in any case, it is the men who make the decisions. Even the Parliament, which will be the final authority over
the legislation, has more males than females. So if the men are not brought fully on board to appreciate what the
purpose of this legislation is, then you cannot win.
Once male legislators are on board, it becomes easy for them to communicate to the rest of the men in the country.
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
20
When we present this law (as one that is) good for us the leaders, then men in the community will definitely accept
and know that it is good for them. But if we present that this is a very dangerous law to the men, then you will get
resistance.
Male involvement should therefore be addressed as a priority.
IPS: How can we create effective and culturally sensitive strategies, which can get men on board?
CB: Some of these things will not be easy to legislate upon because culture evolves and evolution sometimes is
very slow. We have to critically look at these legislations.
And I think not everything must be put into a law. If we evaluate how far we have gone in terms of addressing these
gender issues, we can see what to include in the laws and what to leave out.
But a law in itself is not the final solution. You can have a law, but also continue with interventions on the ground,
which will interrogate the culture, tradition and societal behavior to ensure that people continue to be mobilized.
It therefore becomes important to design culturally sensitive programs and interventions that will challenge some of
these harmful perceptions and behaviors.
And that calls for involvement of all the stakeholders. Cultural and religious leaders and opinion leaders within the
communities must be brought on board.
Gradually and eventually, some of these stereotypes of the attitudinal beliefs will be discarded as everybody
appreciates the need to empower both men and women and not really to disempower anybody.
IPS: How do men internalize the notions of what it means to be a man and how does that affect their ability
to accept and appreciate gender-sensitive laws?
CB: Society imparts a lot of powers on men. So men see masculinity as giving them the power to domineer on
others, especially women.
As a man, you want to make decisions in the home and be the one to support your family materially and financially
thus seeing yourself as superior.
And then on the other side, women are seen as the weaker sex who should do the household activities as cooking,
child bearing and laying beds.
These legislations are interrogating this kind of attitude and behavior. Therefore, it becomes very crucial in
empowering the man to understand that even a woman can do some of the things that men think are traditional
male roles.
But it takes time. It should not be rushed. With increased exposure and mobilization, men will appreciate that being
powerful as a man should not be to the disadvantage of a woman.
IPS: What is the way forward to ensure that this Marriage & Divorce Bill is passed in to law?
CB: The women parliamentarians with support from their partners have done a good job to mobilize the male
legislators before these laws are debated in Parliament. Part of the way forward is to mobilize both the men and
women - because it is wrong to assume that it is only the men who are opposing the provisions in this Bill. We
know that some women also resisted the failed ‘Domestic Relations Bill’.
So we must simplify these messages, which are contained in the Bills and explain them to the public. The people
behind these legislations could use the men who are already on board to explain to the public that the fears men
could be having that these laws will undermine their power are far-fetched.
We shall make sure that we pass a law that is good for this country; a law that should not undermine the powers
and responsibilities of men but also not undermine the powers and rights of women.
In Burkina: First Ladies call for mobilization against female genital mutilations
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
21
By Lassina Fabrice SANOU
Le Pays
11/10/2009
Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina, hosted from November 8 to 10 2009, a high level international meeting on
excision. This meeting follows in the same dynamic as those held in Cairo in Egypt in 2003 and in 2008.
So the appropriate theme, “From Cairo to Ouagadougou: towards the total ban of female genital mutilations”. It is
under the auspices of the first Lady, Chantal Compaoré, ambassador of goodwill of the inter-African Committee on
the harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children and honorary chairwoman of the
National Committee of fight against the practice of excision.
The first Lady of the Guinea-Bissau Republic, Mariama Mané Sanha, minister of the Promotion of the woman of
Djibouti, the senator Emma Bonino, vice-chairwoman of the Italian Senate also participate in the Ouagadougou
meeting. The Ouagadougou meeting which follows those of 2003 and 2008 held in Cairo in Egypt follows the
dynamics of concerted research for the real elimination of excision, notably by the adoption and strict application of
anti-female genital mutilations laws in the different countries. First, it is a question of thinking about ways and
means to encourage the countries, which have not voted for a law against these practices yet to adopt it.
Secondly, it will be a question of apprehending mechanisms to be set up for a real enforcement of the law in the
countries where it already exists. “Taking legislative measures suppressing FGM by the different States is a
necessity to assure the coherence of the fighting actions and their durability”, Chantal Compaoré during the official
opening of session on Monday, November 9th, 2009 in the international conference room of Ouaga 2000. Strong
sentences against the practice of female genital mutilations were many, pronounced by the dealers in the
ceremony of last Monday. Chantal Compaoré, Burkina’s First Lady: “FGM present themselves at this beginning of
the 21st century as a major challenge for the whole humanity”.
Her counterpart in Bissau - Guinea, Mariama Mané Sanha, explains: “Many girls and women died following this
reprehensible practice from all point of view. Excision is reprehensible and there is no border to the fight… there is
neither blockage nor barrier when it is about the defense of human rights”, will say Emma Bonino, the Italian
senator. More categorical, the minister of Social welfare and national Solidarity, Pascaline Tamini, she promises
that “the elimination of female genital mutilations in Burkina Faso on the horizon 2015 is an imperative”.
And the African mothers cry from the heart of is expressed by the Bissau Guinea’s First Lady: “It's about time and
high time, so that help is more granted to NGO, which support our governments in the fight against this plight,
which kills as much as AIDS”. Note that this international meeting on female genital mutilations (FGM) takes place
thanks to the intervention of the “No peace without justice” NGO.
Ethiopia: Parliamentarians Aim to Ignite Action toward FGM Abandonment
By Minassie Teshome
http://allafrica.com/stories/200909010798.html
12/07/2009
Addis Ababba — Parliamentarians from Ethiopia and 7 African Countries last week completed a three day mission
to set in motion a coordinated continental effort to shake off the deeply embedded Harmful Traditional Practice of
Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C).
The mission, hosted by Ethiopian members of the Pan African Parliament Women's Caucus and in collaboration
with the African Union, was opened by Mufeerihat Kamil, Minister of Women's Affairs, the organizers said in a joint
statement.
"As Ethiopian members of the Pan African Parliamentarians Women's Caucus are hosting this conference because
we feel it is time for us all to rapidly accelerate our achievements against this unacceptable violence against
women." Anab Abdulkadir, Deputy Chairperson of PAP Women's Caucus and Member of Ethiopia Federal
Parliament was quoted as having said.
Data from the Ethiopia 2005 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicate that 74 per cent of women aged 1549 have undergone some form of FGM/C. There are significant regional differences ranging from 27% (Gambela)
and 29% (Tigray) to 92% (Afar) and 97% (Somali region).
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
22
According to the DHS, There has been a 6% decline in prevalence of FGM/C from 80% to 74% between 2000 and
2005. Figures from a 1998 baseline and 2008 follow-up survey conducted by the National Association for
Eradicating Traditional Harmful Practices (EGLDAM) estimates that the current prevalence rate is 56%.
Given differences in methodology and sampling of the DHS and EGLDAM surveys, it is important to review the new
DHS figures to verify actual rates of reduction. Data reveals that while there is significant decline in support for
FGM/C, some may still be unable or unwilling to abandon it due to the complex set of beliefs and social constraints
that surround the practice, the host partners said.
"There are encouraging signs that the practice of FGM/C in Ethiopia is declining. We see this mission of the PanAfrican Parliamentarian's Women Caucus as a major opportunity to mobilize efforts in Ethiopia and across Africa
towards an intensified and coordinated affront on FGM/C to bring the fulfilment of the rights of girls and women into
more immediate reality," the statement cited Fatima Hajiaig, Member of PAP from South Africa.
As part of the mission, the 5 Parliamentarians from Ethiopia and 7 parliamentarians from other African countries
received accounts of the pioneering work of Ethiopian NGOs - KMG and Rohi Wedu and observed the Community
Dialogue process being supported across Ethiopia by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs in collaboration with
UNICEF, to break the cycle of FGM/C in Ethiopia. Powerful testimonials were shared by community members on
their experiences related to FGM/C as well as the impact the intervention strategies have made on their lives.
According to the organizers, the concrete outcome of the Mission was a set of 10 specific recommendations for
review and adoption by the Pan-African Parliament to ensure a more active role of African Parliamentarian as
champions and agents of change for FGM/C Abandonment both nationally and continentally.
It was said that the Mission was the second to be undertaken by the Pan African Parliament's Women's Caucus
since its establishment in October, 2008. The first was in Rwanda in November, 2008 where the members joined
Rwandan women parliamentarians to cerebrate the victory of Rwanda in higher percentage of women in parliament
and other key government decision-making structures. Support for the Mission was provided by the Association of
European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA), the Pan-African Parliament and UNICEF, Ethiopia in collaboration
with the People's Representative of the Ethiopian Parliament.
Sudan's Female Genital Mutilation Countered By Henna-Dyed Hands
By H'Rina DeTroy
www.huffingtonpost.com/nycity-news-service/sudans-female-genital-mut_b_246333.html
06/28/2009
Sudan has tried to eradicate female genital mutilation since 1946 to little avail. But now women's health groups
have taken the crusade in their hands--or rather, their own painted hands--in an effort to subvert the practice.
NGOs are training midwives and henna artists to cooperate using a secret code communicated through henna
tattoos. Called the henna technique, a special design dyed temporarily on the skin can indicate to a midwife that a
mother wants to avoid genital mutilation on her daughter. The tattoos serve as a bridge to discuss what is
traditionally taboo. In turn, a midwife can stage a fake circumcision.
"It's underground," said Mawahib Mohamed of the Sudan Council of Volunteer Agencies (SCOVA). "It's totally
something that women would invent." She said that midwives from the eastern and mountainous Nuer region
invented the technique.
Mohamed said that SCOVA supports organizations dedicated to social and health-centered initiatives, like
educating midwives about hygiene, immunizations and the risks of FGM. In Sudan, midwives help deliver babies
and circumcise the girls after they reach the age of 5.
Normally, NGOs train midwives on how to counsel mothers about the dangers of FGM. Now they are taking bolder
steps, showing midwives how to make a bogus ceremony, without any cutting.
But training midwives wasn't enough. Organizations also started teaching henna artists how to talk to clients about
FGM. Unlike a midwife, who is present only during birth and circumcision, the interaction with a local henna artist is
frequent because henna is applied on the hands and feet for occasions like engagements, baby showers and
weddings. Married women always wear a basic design.
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If a mother confides that she's afraid or worried about circumcising her daughter, a henna painter can refer the
mother to a list of anti-FGM midwives. If the mother feels shy about broaching the subject, she can rely on a henna
tattoo to communicate what she can't in words.
In traditional Sudanese communities, women who speak out against circumcision can be criticized for condoning
promiscuity and infidelity.
"It's the only thing that works," said Mohamed, who was born in Sudan and lives in Brooklyn. She wore henna on
the tips of her fingers, with a heart just below her thumb.
Midwives and henna artists who undermine it gain popularity through referrals to others in the same dilemma. In
this way, eradication is clandestine and in women-only spaces.
Generally, FGM happens to girls aged 5 to 14 because parents believe that it will preserve virginity, communicate
status, and even protect them from rape. Circumcisions close to adolescence mark passage into womanhood, but
are also performed as early as days or weeks after birth or as late as marriage or pregnancy.
In Sudan, the most common of 4 types of FGM is infibulations, considered the most invasive and harmful. The
procedure involves removing the inner labia and clitoris, then sowing the outer labia together and leaving 2
openings for urination and menstruation. The skin fuses and intercourse or childbirth can cause breakage and
subsequent re-sowing. Girls have died from loss of blood during the procedure or from infections if the instruments
weren't properly sanitized. For many, it's a life of chronic infections and pain.
FGM & Egypt III
http://europenews.dk/en/node/25907
02/09/2009
A 2005 report by UNICEF contended that 97 percent of single Egyptian women between 15 and 49 have
undergone some form of FGM, although other estimates put the number at 70 percent.
Opposition to the bill was strong. Member of Parliament Mohamed Al Omda of a small opposition party brought his
three daughters to the floor of the People’s Assembly in protest of the ban last year. One of his daughters carried a
sign that read:
“No to any attempt to forbid what is divinely allowed. No to any attempt to allow what is divinely
forbidden.” Two of his three daughters are circumcised.
Many conservative Muslims in the country maintain that the practice is condoned in Islam. The country’s Muslim
Brotherhood has come under fire over many of their members’ denouncements of Parliament’s bill.
The powerful Islamic group, and many Islamic scholars, argues that the ban is akin to “imposing Western ideals” on
Egyptian society, which they maintain is based in Sharia.
“Religion does not prohibit or criminalize female circumcision,” prominent Islamic scholar Mustafa Al Shaka said to
the local press shortly after the bill was passed.
Progressive Islamic scholar Gamal Al Banna – brother of late Brotherhood founder Hassan Al Banna – says there
is simply no precedent in Islam for this kind of practice. He argues that it was imported into society as a means of
forcing women into the background of everyday life.
“It didn’t exist in Islamic history and those who argue it is Islamic or part of the Sharia are wrong,” the 87-year-old
argued. “Religion does not subscribe to this kind of treatment that can cause death and other horrible results. It is
un-Islamic.”
Newsletter Clitoraid – N°4 – March 2010
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Al Azhar, the Sunni Islamic world’s most notorious religious authority, agrees with the elder Al Banna. In 2007, the
Council of Islamic Research issued a statement saying that FGM and cutting are “harmful, have no basis in core
Islamic law and should not be practiced.”
But Egyptian society remains stratified into opposing camps over the issue, says the National Council for
Motherhood and Childhood Secretary General Moushira Khattab. She believes that although the ban will remain
permanent that it will take time to educate the population over the long term effects of cutting a woman’s clitoris.
“Nobody is going to say no to something that has negative effects caused by the procedure and in time Egyptians
will see this,” she begins, “so the punishments that are being handed out against those who conduct this practice is
vitally necessary.”
In America
USA: Female genital mutilation grounds for asylum bid
By Bob Egelk
San Francisco Chronicle
www.chimpsternation.com/forum?c=showthread&ThreadID=3887
24/08/2009
A Northern California family whose daughter underwent forced circumcision in Indonesia is entitled to seek political
asylum in the United States, a federal appeals court said Monday.
The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco criticized immigration officials, who, in ordering the family
deported, decided that the girl had suffered no serious harm when her genitals were mutilated as a newborn.
The 3-0 ruling gives Bob Benito Benyamin, his wife, Anabella Rodriguez, and their three daughters another chance
to challenge deportation to Indonesia, where the oldest daughter underwent forced circumcision at 5 days old in
1992 at the orders of a grandmother. The family said she has felt pain from the procedure ever since.
.
.
An immigration review board's "attempt to parse the distinction between differing forms of female genital mutilation
is ... a threat to the rights of women in a civilized society," Judge Margaret McKeown said in the court ruling.
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