Egypt conference

June 2006

WOMANKIND Worldwide is facilitating a landmark conference in Cairo this week.? The conference will bring together religious leaders and NGOs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Somalia, Somaliland, Sudan and Kenya with the aim of forging a common understanding on female genital mutilation (FGM).

An estimated 130 million African women have undergone FGM; as many as 98% of Somalian women may have done so
FGM is usually undertaken with crude instruments in non-sterile conditions, and without anaesthetic
FGM can lead to illness and death as a result of infection (including HIV/AIDS) and haemorrhaging
FGM causes women a lifetime of painful menstruation and sexual intercourse
FGM makes childbirth dangerous; babies are often born with brain damage due to obstructed labour, and maternal mortality rates are high

Religion is often incorrectly cited as a justification for FGM.? It is commonly believed to be an Islamic practice, for example.? In fact, the practice is not mentioned in the Quran or the Hadiths (statements attributed to the Prophet Mohammed), according to the official readings of theologians.? On the contrary, Islam holds dear the concept of health as a gift from God.

This groundbreaking conference aims to critically examine the interpretation of religious teachings and to develop a mutual understanding

Maggie Baxter, Executive Director at WOMANKIND Worldwide said: “We believe FGM to be a clear violation of women’s human rights.? We’re working with our East African partners to find a sustainable way to put a stop to the practice.? Outlawing FGM is a welcome step, but it will not be eradicated unless supported by education, the provision of alternative livelihoods for the practitioners, and the development of alternative cultural rituals”