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The Female Cut – justifiable tradition or brutal mutilation? (Part I) October 28, 2003

[Gabon] One of 300 taxis that have been drafted into the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Gabonese capital Libreville. Free condoms and information leaflets will be available inside the cabs from December 2004 to the end of February 2005. IRIN
Taxi drivers are now involved in HIV/AIDS education
    LIBREVILLE
    The majority of Somali girls undergo circumcision at a young age. Those who support the traditional practice say it ensures that young girls remain virgins until their marriage, and that wives remain faithful to their husbands. The opponents say it is a brutal form of mutilation that causes enormous suffering to girls throughout their lives, and is a major cause of health complications and even death during childbirth. In this programme, IRIN Radio brings together speakers from both sides of the debate to look at the issues surrounding FGM (female genital mutilation). In this first fiery session in the IRIN studio, the participants discuss what is FGM and what are its consequences?

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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