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| Image: Sharia unveiled |
Female genital mutilation/cutting refers to "all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
This practice is a violation of girls and women's fundamental human rights, and it is encouraging when the media highlights such sensitive issues in its plot. See recent news below.
Popular British period drama "Call the
Midwife" is to feature female genital mutilation (FGM) in a storyline
about a pregnant Somali woman living in east London in the 1960s.
Campaigners against FGM welcomed the news,
saying the mainstream show would help boost awareness of the widely condemned
practice, which has long been shrouded in secrecy.
"I'm over the moon. It's
amazing," said British activist Hibo Wardere whose FGM prevention work
includes training medical staff.
"Five years ago no one wanted to talk
about FGM but everyone is waking up now and finally seeing this as child
abuse," added Wardere who nearly died when she was cut as a child in
Somalia.
A 2014 study estimated 137,000 women and
girls in England and Wales have undergone FGM and 60,000 girls are at risk.
The ritual, which involves the partial or
total removal of the external genitalia, often causes serious physical and
psychological problems and can lead to childbirth complications.
"Call the Midwife", which is
broadcast by the BBC, returns for a sixth series this weekend and is likely to
air on PBS in America.
Creator Heidi Thomas said the story would
not "impose a modern mindset", but would reflect the 1960s setting.
Continue here for the full article.
News credit: Allafrica.com
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