By
By Godfrey Olukya 15-11-2012
United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has trained 160 women in central Darfur about the dangers of practicing female genital mutilation, (FGM.)
The training took place in Zalingei township.
‘They were trained for three days about the dangers of mutilating women’ said a local leader, Ggeri Amudu. ‘They were told the negative
health consequences and human rights violations associated with Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).’ he added.
UNAMID, in a statement said that the training was part of lt’s continuing efforts towards strengthening the role of women through the ownership of accurate information, which can be further disseminated in their societies.
The training was facilitated by midwives, nurses, female teachers and community leaders. They discussed with the women how they can work as key elements of change and advocacy to combat FGM and other negative practices in their communities related to women’s health.
UNAMID’s human rights officer, Andre Mathurin Fouda said that FGM is a violation of women’s rights.’ A commitment to combating Female Genital
Mutilation is symbolic of the effort to strengthen the position of women and women’s rights.’ he said.
The women have vowed to fight against the vice in their communities.
Every year, thousands of women in some African communities undergo female mutilations. Some of them survive but others die after the crude exercise while others develop complications.
END