Female Genital Mutilation
...her health establishments. While recognizing that female genital mutilation is an important reproductive health issue, it is also a sensitive topic. The issue must be approached with an understanding of the context of the cultural practice and its meaning for communities that practice it. Much has already been achieved in the last decade in lifting the veil of secrecy from female genital mutilation and developing a strategy to bring about changes. However, there are still major gaps in understanding the extent of the problem, its health impact and the kinds of interventions that can be successful in eliminating it. Lack of information hampers work in this area. This is why associations are focusing on increasing knowledge and promoting technically sound policies and approaches to eliminate female genital mutilation. International efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) have a long history. As early as the 17th century, there were attempts by Christian missionaries and colonial administrations in Africa to prevent the practice. These efforts, perceived as a colonialist attempt to destroy the local culture, were strongly resisted. Virtually all Somali women are genitally mutilated. There is no law specifically prohibiting FGM. In 1977 the Somali Women's Democratic Organization (SWDO), a governmental women's organization, was formed to eradicate FGM. This was followed by a series of initiatives, most notably by the Somali Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Institute of Women's Education. In 1987, SWDO and the Italian Association for Women and Development (AIDOS) founded an anti-FGM project designed to eradicate infibulations. AIDOS provided technical and methodological support and SWDO was responsible for the content and direction of the campaign. In 1991, when the Siad Barre reg...