Austria: Conference On Prevention And Elimination Of Fgm - African Women's Organization of Vienna's conference addressing female genital mutilation

UNITED NATIONS CITY - VIENNA INTERNATIONAL CENTER, OCT. 31 - NOV. 1, 2000

AFRICAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION IN VIENNA, Etenesh Hadis, Coordinator

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

OCTOBER 31, 2000

- "Welcoming address: Etenesh Hadis (Project Coordinator)

- Statement: Mag. Barbara Prammer, Member of Austrian Parliament, former Minister of Women's Affairs of Austria

- Women and Harmful Traditional Practices: Mrs. Tadeletch Haile Michael, Minister of Women's Affairs, Ethiopia

- FGM and the Role of the World Health Organization (WHO): Dr. Nasfiah Mboi, MD, Dir. Dept. of Women's Health, World Health Organization

- Worldwide Practices of FGM: Mrs. Berhane Ras-Work, President of the Inter-African Committee

- Official Opening Speech of Madame Chantal Compaore, Goodwill Ambassador of Inter African Committee and First Lady of Burkina Faso

- Austrian Law and FGM: Min. R. Dr. Albin Dearing, Ministry of Interior, Austria

- Background and Research of FGM in Sudan : Dr. Amna Abdel Rahman-Hassan, Sudan, IAC Coordinator for North and East Africa

- Current Situation and Activities to Prevent FGM: Fran P. Hosken

- Medical Consequences of FGM: Dr. Med. S. Zyadeh-Jinniate, Gynecologist

- Situation of FGM Practice among Immigrants in Austria: African Women's Organization

- Discussion

LUNCH BREAK

FOUR WORKSHOP SESSIONS: Legal Aspect and Lobbying // Medical Aspects // Social and Cultural Aspects // Field Work

- Preparation of Group Resolutions

NOVEMBER 1, 2000

- FGM in Europe: Jamila Said Musse, Sweden, and Kadya Koita, GAMS, France

- Experience of Former FGM Excisor: Ambara Hashi Nur, Somali Women Organization, Denmark

- Discussion

- Political Aspects of FGM: Dr. Rasheed Akinyemi, Lecturer, University of Vienna

- FGM from Human Rights Aspects: Amnesty International Austria, Karin Ortner, D.S. General of Al-Austria

- Discussion

- Workshop Resolution Finalisation

LUNCH BREAK

- Report on Field Visit, Ethiopia: Dr. Mariana Grandits

- Report by National Committee on FGM Burkina Faso: Mariam Lamizana / Coordinator

- Report on Field Visit, Senegal: Dr. Ashenafi Moges

- Discussion

- Presentation of the Resolutions by the Workshop Groups

- Closing Statement: by Mme Chantal Compaore, Goodwill Ambassador of Inter African Committee and First Lady of Burkina Faso."

WELCOMING ADDRESS BY ETENESH HADIS, COORDINATOR

AFRICAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION IN VIENNA, UNITED NATIONS CENTER, OCT 31-NOV.l

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

I am honoured to welcome you to this CONFERENCE ON THE PREVENTION AND ELIMINATION OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION on behalf of the African Women's Organization in Vienna, the committee and sponsors of this conference. Vienna is a site of this branch office of the United Nations and as such it is used to having frequent and numerous meetings and conferences covering various subject matters. However, it is for the first time that a conference addressing specifically the harmful practice of female genital mutilation is taking place here. This conference, in the case of Austria, has made history by being the first one to take place in this building and country.

Female genital mutilation (FGM), the subject of this conference, has been neglected for centuries as it has been closely associated with tradition, culture and religion. The practice itself has been a taboo, and the justifications that support it were not open for any form of discussion or challenge. Illiteracy, lack of information and poverty have contributed greatly to the problem. The existing myths that justify the practice are as old as the practice itself.

Since the 1980s through the relentless effort of lobbying and mobilization by concerned and determined women activities, the problem of FGM went public. The taboo over FGM and other traditional practices affecting women and children was broken. The issue was raised on local, regional and international forums which have led to declarations and conventions calling for its prevention and elimination. We have reached a stage where FGM is considered a violation of human rights and physical integrity and reproductive health. We are also at the point of addressing the problem globally rather than regionally and locally.

The interest and the commitment to fight FGM has reached a new stage. Many have devised intervention strategies to create awareness and change of attitudes. In some communities, the local populations have shown interest in finding a solution to the problem. There are now more NGOs operating at the grassroot level ...More surveys as researches are being undertaken to know practical details and devise appropriate intervention strategies. Governments have recognized the problem and taken measures, mostly criminalization of FGM. The UN agencies, especially WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNIFEM have also put the issues of FGM on their agenda and agreed to work jointly as a team for the elimination of FGM. The activities and the achievements so far indicate that there is still a long way to go before the end of FGM.

This conference is part of the ongoing activities to raise awareness, sensitization, exchange of information and to promote anti FGM activities. It aims to bring together different role players to exchange ideas and update the existing knowledge on the issue. This conference has brought together policy makers, field operators and activists with broad experience and information. Our speakers will enlighten us on the nature of the problem and what is being done on the field. We are honoured to have, for example, Ms. Fran P. Hosken who started to work on the subject of FGM at the beginning of the 1970s and the author of "The Hosken Report" which compiles global experiences and provides country estimates of FGM; and Ms. Berhane Ras-Work, the President of the Inter-African Committee since 1984 which consists of 26 national committees engaged in fighting traditional harmful practices including FGM; and others with years of field experiences.

In this conference we shall listen to our speakers describing general and particular experiences related to FGM. We shall also have the opportunity to hear from FGM networks in Europe. Noting the fact that the practice of FGM among immigrants has become public, the strategy used by most NGOs is to contain the problem through legislation and sensitization. Since FGM is considered part of tradition and culture which serves as a bridge between the immigrants and their communities, the solution to FGM among immigrants lies in eliminating the problem at its origin. As long as the problem exists at its origin, satellite problems may be contained but not solved. We hope that this conference will address this aspect of the issue, so that ongoing activities at the origin may be strengthened.

We hope that after the deliberation on the various aspects of the problem, the conference will conclude with resolutions strengthening the ongoing activities and create a platform for more cooperation and coordination...

The African Women's Organization, the organizers of this conference, was first established in 1996. Up to 1998, the organization was involved in facilitating integration activities and creating platforms for women to discuss various women's issues..

In 1998, on the presentation of Waris Diri's book "The Desert Flower" in Vienna our organization learned the need to initiate work on FGM in Austria. There was a big information gap that needed attention. Our organization started preparing background information on FGM, sensitization and creating awarness through seminars and discussions in different cities of Austria. We have also undertaken a study on the situation of FGM among immigrants in Austria, the first of its type to be carried out in Austria. We have also carried out field assessments of FGM activities in three African countries. To give importance to the issue of FGM, we planned this conference along with other related activities.

It was Mag. Barbara Prammer's statement that "no child born in Austria should undergo this experience" on the celebration of the 1998 International Women's Day that gave us the determination to organize this conference. It was Mag. Prammer's support, advice and encouragement that made us carry out our proposal. Many others in Austria have given us moral encouragement and assistance.

Excellencies, Honoured guests and Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like on the behalf of our organization to thank all individuals and organizations that have supported us to realize this conference. We thank especially Mag. Prammer. We also thank the Inter-African Committee, particularly Ms. Berhane Ras-Work, who helped us with technical advice. We are also grateful for the support and assistance of Dr. Albin Dearing from the Ministry of Interior and we thank many local groups, individuals, organizations and Embassies who contributed to the success of this conference. I wish you a fruitful and interesting discussion and pleasant stay in Vienna."

GRASSROOTS PERSPECTIVE OF TRADITIONAL PRACTICES

BY BERHANE RAS-WORK, PRESIDENT OF THE INTER-AFRICAN COMMITTEE

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FGM, VIENNA, AUSTRIA, 31 OCT. - 1 NOV. 2000 (Summary)

"Africa is a mosaic of cultures with unique systems of coherence, interaction, visions and interpretations of the environment. These are coded into traditional values and norms which are observed collectively and individually. . . The prevailing system is still characterized by factors of domination and gender bias. The exclusion of women from enjoying full economic rights, i.e. access to land, credit and tools of development, places them in a situation of powerlessness and vulnerability, forcing them to accept subjugation and submission as a norm.

Standards, symbols and religious ideologies are elaborated to reinforce the subordination of women. Myths and taboos are developed and used to negate the capacity of women to absorb knowledge and effect change within their societies. Through the socializing process, girls are taught to internalize a negative and diminished self image. . . .

As a future wife, the African girl child has to undergo the ritual of female genital mutilation. An indigenous girl from Sierra Leone or Liberia is circumcised at the age of 14 or 15. This ordeal prepares her for marriage and allows her admission into the secret society of women. . . In Mali, an uncircumcised girl is considered as a second class citizen, impure, and she is not eligible for marriage nor is she allowed to prepare the family meal. In East Africa, in Parts of Ethiopia, Sudan, Somalia and Djibouti, girls are circumcised to reduce their sexual desire and preserve their virginity until marriage. The reasons commonly advanced for maintaining female genital mutilation are:

- Moral and Religious Reasons: It is usually believed that Islam makes the practice obligatory. Christianity is also cited as a justification.

- Virginity is another factor upheld for the persistence of FGM. . .

- Aesthetic Reasons: Some parts of the female body are believed to be unfeminine and a deformity.

- Fertility: FGM is also believed to enhance the fertility, which is a guarantee for the marital life.

. . .The underlying factors are low economic status of women, misconception of the female body and a negative self image women have internalized throughout their socializing process. Female genital mutilation and its attendant consequences epitomize the gender based violence women face in the name of religion and respect for traditional values. There are a host of other practices which negate the integrity of the female person. . .

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS TO REDRESS THE SITUATION

There is a growing international awareness which challenges the long standing negative attitudes and practices that have been associated with women. . . Patriarchal leadership and its hierarchical traditions are facing a crisis as in Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, thus the search for alternative leadership becomes more and more evident. There is a growing belief that the participation of women in decision making at all levels will enhance sustainable development and peace. The need for structural changes to create an enabling environment for women to participate fully and equally in matters that affect their lives and the lives of their communities is fully recognized and stated at various international fora.

In 1993, at the Vienna World Conference on Human Rights, governments expressed clear commitment to the advancement of the rights of women, reaffirming the indivisibility and universality of human rights principles. It also reaffirmed that women's rights are human rights. . .

THE ROLE OF NGOS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TRADITIONAL PRACTICES

NGOs have played a prominent and crucial role to bring to world attention the hidden problem of FGM. The NGO Working Group on Traditional Practices, set up in 1977 in Geneva with members of 26 NGOs enjoying consultative status with the UN, played an effective role of lobbying, advocacy and networking. . . The efforts of the Working Group led to the creation of the Inter-African Committee (IAC) on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children, in 1984. . . The Inter-African Committee has been able to bring to world attention the African perspective on FGM.

The main activities of the IAC at the local level involve training of target groups such as youth, religious leaders, excisers, information, public mobilization, organizing alternative sources of income for practitioners, distribution of printed materials, utilization of traditional and modern media, always taking into account the various cultural and social contexts.

IAC's principal objective is empowering women though information and education.. . There are visible changes taking place. In Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, the women themsleves are asking for legislative measures to protect their daughters from traditionally condoned violence such as FGM.

Religious leaders are openly pronouncing themselves to condemn FGM. This was the case during an IAC Symposium for Religious Leaders held in The Gambia in 1998 and was reiterated during a second similar symposium held last August in Arusha, Tanzania. . . Such public mobilization and the voices of women have pressured governments . . Heads of State in Ghana, Senegal, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Guinea, Kenya, have clearly stated their opposition to the continuation of FGM.

In September 1997, IAC organized a Symposium for Legislators in collaboration with the Organization of African Unity. The main outcome of the meeting is the Addis Ababa Declaration on the Eradication of violence against women. This Declaration was presented to the African Heads of State and Government through their Ministers at their assembly in July 1998, where it was adopted.

Last year again, IAC organized a second Symposium for Legislators which resulted in a draft Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Harmful Traditional Practices Affecting the Fundamental Rights of Women and Girls. This document was studied by OAU legal experts and the outcome was the inclusion of the convention in the draft Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, on the Rights of Women. . .

CONCLUSION

With immigration, FGM is reported to exist in Europe. Refugees and immigrants leave their communities with nothing more than their identity and cultural values. More often than not, the first generation tends to be more conservative and defensive of what is left from their country of origin, e.g. language, history and rituals. FGM is one of these rituals. . .

The approach to tackle this problem has to take into account the vulnerability of immigrants, the racism they could face and the feeling of alienation. The programmes have to be tailored with a holistic approach in an integrated manner. Information about the evolution of attitudes and the change taking place in countries of origin can provide a sense of security to change.

This is why bodies like the African Women's Organization in Vienna are important to serve as bridge. On behalf of my organization, I would like to congratulate and encourage them to continue their campaign and we hope that the support of the Austrian Government will continue to help strengthen the work of this organization. We on our part are happy to collaborate. Thank you."

OFFICIAL OPENING SPEECH BY MME. CHANTAL COMPAORE,

GOODWILL AMBASSADOR OF THE IAC AND FIRST LADY OF BURKINA FASO

"First, I want to thank Mme. Etenesh Hadis, Coordinator of the African Women's Organization of Vienna, for inviting me to participate in this meeting. It is a great honor for me to preside over this opening ceremony which marks the beginning of two days of exchanges and information on the problems and actualities of Genital Mutilation which unfortunately victimizes millions of African Women.

I want to congratulate the African Women's Organization of Vienna for organizing this important meeting to protect the health of women and girls which is threatened also outside of Africa by these practices. Through my voice the Inter-African Committee offers you sincere encouragement and support of your initiatives to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). To accelerate the elimination of FGM we need to work for prevention everywhere: it is estimated that more than 100 million women and girls have undergone FGM and each year some 2 million girls are threatened and at risk of being mutilated not only in Africa and the middle East but also in African immigrant communities in Europe and the USA.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this Conference on the prevention and elimination of FGM represents a resource for information and exchange of research and inquiries specifically in three African countries, that is Ethiopia, Senegal and Burkina Faso to learn about innovative approaches to not only eliminate FGM but also to prevent it. The dangerous results of FGM for the health of its victims are evident: they are also a public health problem and an attack on the physical integrity of women. This cause has also been adopted by different initiatives and international conferences including the Platform for Action of the World Conference of Beijing.

The engagement of the IAC in the battle to eliminate FGM has been translated into many actions:

- sensitization campaigns of different groups

- training programs for local actors in affected regions

- research and data collection

- organization of symposia and meetings

- lobbying for legislation.

Together with different partners and the institutions of the United Nations the actions of the IAC and their national committees have many results including:

- the mobilization of groups around the question to implicate legislators, religious leaders, communicators

- the organization of solidarity groups especially young people at a meeting in April 2000

- the adoption of resolution 53/117 on traditional practices affecting the health of women and girls by the UN General Assembly at its 53rd Session in December 1998

- the adoption of the African Declaration on Violence against women due to damaging traditional practices by the Organization of African Unity at the 34th Session of Heads of State in 1998

- the adoption of the Declaration of Ouagadougou on FGM by the Parliamentarians, the Ministers and the National Committees of the IAC in May 1999.

- the formal renouncement of their knives by the excisors of Guinea, Benin and Burkina Faso

- the adoption of legislation prohibiting FGM in Burkina Faso, Senegal, Cote d'lvoire, Ghana, the State of Edo of Nigeria.

These results are encouraging and we must continue to re-inforce and consolidate these achievements and work for new victories until the total eradication of FGM. This will be possible if we form a chain of saolidarity across the world: this is why I once more extend my congratulations and encouragement to Mine. Hadis - and all participants of this meeting - and why I support this initiative and offer our cooperation North/South to face the evil of FGM. As far as I am concerned I want to assure you of our support and my renewed engagement to achieve the objectives of the IAC.

In formulating the wishes for good results for this Conference, I enlist the support of the sisters and wives of heads of state of other African countries for success. And I now declare open the work of this international Conference on the prevention and elimination of FGM."

STATEMENT BY MAG. BARBARA PRAMMER, MEMBER OF AUSTRIAN PARLIAMENT FORMER MINISTER OF WOMEN'S AFFAIRS

"Thank you very much for the invitation to attend this conference and the intensive effort of Ms Hadis, Coordinator of the African Women's Organization and her co-workers to make this meeting possible

First I would like to remind you how many women in Europe are faced with the problem of female genital mutilation. The problem of FGM is a very long one and has gone on for a very long time: it has not been discussed and therefore it is important to talk about it here: FGM is an extreme form of violence against women and girls that is deeply rooted in the structure of a patriarchal society.

We know that every woman can experience violence - women of all classes, ages and cultures can be affected. FGM is lust another form of violence that has been a taboo subject in different societies.

Violence against women often goes hand in had with economic dependence of women upon men and for that reason it is a very real challenge. There are many faces of violence. There is violence in marriage, there is rape, there are specific sexual torture practices and international trafficking in women, burning of widows and abortion of female fetuses and finally genital mutilation.

FGM is one extreme form of patriarchal force and power over women and therefore I would like to make it quite clear that under cover of tradition and culture there must be no violence against women and girls. There must be no discrimination or violence and I would like to say here clearly there is no civilization today that can tolerate damaging traditions against women.

I would like to remind you in this connection that the Women's Rights Convention CEDAW demands clearly that "prejudices and other customs that are traditional and are based on the idea of inferiority or superiority of one of the two sexes are removed." This article from CEDAW is of course in the center of our discussion today.

I am very happy that by now a sufficient number of countries have ratified the additional protocol to the Convention so that on December 2 of this year it came into force - and this includes Austria. We shall be able to use it with great sensitivity to fight for the independence and freedom of women.

FGM is clearly a violation of human rights and certainly a physical injury done to girls and women. We know that this very serious intervention leads to mutilation and has many physical and psychological repercussions and consequences. We also know from studies and reports that women who refuse to have this operation are socially marginalized. FGM is an issue of maintaining control in a patriarchal society to control the life and sexuality of women.

FGM is a problem not only in the 28 African countries where it has been always practiced, but we know that FGM is a problem in Europe and also America - due to immigration. I think we women of Europe are called upon to be aware of the situation. This is why I am glad about this report on Austria: it points out that FGM is also being practiced on African women and girls in Austria, as well as other countries in Europe. The big issue is that we need to start working on this.

First of all it is a question of education, making people aware of the problem - and not punishing the victims. So this means we must have a very close interaction of women here in Austria and African women and their families as well as physicians and social workers and of course the government: they all must deal with the issue.

In Austria we also must ask ourselves what can we do? How do we handle this issue of FGM in connection with asylum policies: for example to what extent can this also be a reason for granting asylum? And how will Austria, in cooperation with the legal instruments prevailing here, take action.? So far we have not dealt with this issue, we have not discussed it sufficiently, not even within our Ministry. I am happy that Dr Dearing of the Ministry of Interior is a very strong partner. What we need is a broad support for an international ban of FGM.

Let me say again what is at stake is to take appropriate measures and to have cooperation between state bodies and NGOs. Last but not least we have to be sure that we succeed to make women independent and this means primarily economic independence: with that they will be empowered to exercise all the rights over their own bodies.

In conclusion I simply want to say thank you most cordially to Ms Hadis and her team and co-workers - all those who have helped producing the study and organizing this conference. I expect this meeting will not only lead to very lively exchanges but what I expect is to have a view how we can cooperate between Austria and other UN member states on this issue to develop coherent open cooperation."

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: THE CHALLENGE AND THE RESPONSE BY NAFSIAH MBOI, PEDIATRICIAN, MPH, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF WOMEN'S HEALTH, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, Geneva, Switzerland. (Excerpts)

"It is an honour and a pleasure to be with you today and to take part in this important meeting on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Let me start by paying tribute to the organizers of this Conference, the Inter-African Committee (IAC) and the distinguished speakers taking part in the opening today. It is a measure of the importance all of us give this issue that such an assembly can take place. . .

Let us take particular inspiration from the fact that this meeting takes place in Vienna, far from the home of FGM and where only a few women are directly affected. . . We are in a setting where it would be easy to ignore the inconvience and discomfort of a few women and girls. An yet our host nation and several others around Europe have taken the position that they must improve their capacity to meet the needs of their people. New laws are being put in place. . . It reminds us all that our concern with FGM must not, indeed, be primarily with numbers but with the rights and dignity of individual women and girls each of whom is entitled to a life free of the threat of FGM or burdened throughout life by its aftermath.. .

We are gathered here today to consider how we can combine our efforts to move toward elimination of FGM wherever it is practised, including Europe. Until that day we attach great importance to assuring that we have the capacity to provide compassionate, confidential, technically appropriate, treatment, care, counselling and support for all women and girls who have been subjected to FGM and live with the experience for the rest of their lives. . .

FGM is, in fact, an extreme violation of a girl's right to physical integrity. Its tolerance by a State is equally a violation of the State's responsibility under various articles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child especially.

Article 19.1 'States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse. . . while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child.'

Article 24.3 'States Parties shall take all effective and appropriate measures with a view to abolishing traditional practices prejudicial to the health of the child.'

Most of the girls and women who have undergone genital mutilation live in 28 African countries although some live in Asia. They are also increasingly found in Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA among migrants from Africa and South Western Asia. It is estimated that 100-140 million girls and women in Africa have undergone some form of genital mutilation and further 2 million young girls (at least) are at risk of FGM each year. . .

WHO STRATEGY RELATED TO FGM

The underlying principle of WHO's strategy is condemnation of all forms of female genital mutilation. We call for abolition of the practice and oppose, without exception, 'medicalization' of genital mutilation. We believe no health professional should practice any form of female genital mutilation in any setting, including hospitals and/or other health establlishments. In practical terms WHO has been and continues

to be an active advocate of appropriate education legislation, and health policy development and reform as needed.

to initiate, coordinate and disseminate research in the field and,

to support national efforts to develop relevant policies, strategies and programs for both elimination of FGM and improved commitment and capacity to respond to its complications. .

WHO's most significant work has been in the field of health and working with health care providers: developing training to integrate information about FGM in curricula of midwives and nurses encouraging them to become advocates and community educators against FGM while, at the same time, improving their skills for management of its health complications.

While concentrating our own efforts largely in the health field, we firmly believe that we must all work as a team. Only if we have law, health workers, community leaders, religious and traditional leaders, men and women, parents and grandparents united in the effort to protect our daughters and advance their full development will we be successful in eliminating harmful traditional practices such as female genital mutilation. . ."

HEALTH EDUCATION TO PREVENT FGM: THE CHILDBIRTH PICTURE BOOKS

FRAN P. HOSKEN, Editor / Publisher: WIN NEWS and CHILDBIRTH PICTURE BOOK PROGRAM

"FGM has been practiced for a very long time and is deeply anchored in tradition: it will take time and persuasive education to free people from the misconceptions that drive these practices today. It can be done, I believe, by education that offers a positive alternative - that is health. And good health is desired by everyone everywhere and regarded as an essential human good.

The earliest available records on FGM are from ancient Egypt: archeologists claim excision was practiced more than 2000 years ago: the history of FGM is documented in the HOSKEN REPORT - Genital and Sexual Mutilation of Females. In my research paper for the World Health Organization (WHO) Seminar on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children in Khartoum in 1979 I reported on the global epidemiology of FGM. This groundbreaking Seminar was organized by the Regional WHO office in Alexandria, Egypt and for the first time ever dealt with FGM as a health hazard in an international governmental meeting with 13 Middle Eastern and African countries sending delegations, opening the issue of FGM to international discussion and scrutiny for the first time.

When I first traveled all over Africa in 1973 visiting 20 countries including meeting with dozens of women's organizations all my questions about FGM were answered with "we don't know anything about it - ask someone else." I learned that to get any facts it was necessary to go to hospital maternities and speak with the midwives: from them I learned the terrible truth - which I reported to the Khartoum Seminar. It took years of sending out questionnaires, making library searches and more visits to African hospitals to put together most of the facts.

All this has now completely changed: the Inter-African Committee (IAC) organized in 1984, put the subject finally on the international agenda making it not only visible but an increasingly urgent health issue in each African country and worldwide. The facts are that due to FGM thousands of women and girls are dying annually, many horribly painful deaths, and many more are permanently maimed. Maternal mortality is the highest in the world in the African regions where FGM is practiced. UNICEF statistics furthermore show that maternal mortality is not decreasing anywhere in Africa, on the contrary. Furthermore AIDS is also being transmitted by FGM.

The health of women and girls is most important for the future of the world: because we give life to the next generation. FGM threatens the health and life of both mother and child.

The Inter-African Committee with the leadership of Berhane Ras Work has enlisted African decision makers to face the fact that FGM and economic success in the modern world are not compatible and to work for eradication of FGM. The Childbirth Picture Books (CBPBs) are the most effective tools towards that end - accepted on the grass roots level, by local communities and schools.

The CBPBs we developed in 1980 to help implement the Recommendations of the 1979 Khartoum Seminar which mostly deal with health education of the general public and with training of health personnel. These recommendations were adopted and amplified by the IAC. Information about reproductive health is essential in African societies who so greatly value childbearing: yet the best kept secrets in Africa are the health facts of reproduction. The midwives told me about the myths and tabu's believed in different areas of Africa about FGM and childbirth - most of them dangerous and damaging to women's health.

The CBPBs provide information about reproduction with pictures, that is drawings that can be understood regardless of language or literacy. Childbirth is a shared biological experience of women worldwide - only the customs and trappings surrounding it differ. The physical health and integrity of each woman must be protected - her health needs and the biological process of childbirth is the same everywhere - though these facts have been hidden and distorted with often damaging consequences.

The English, French and Arabic books each have two Additions - one on Excision and one on Infibulation, the Somali book has the section on Infibulation as part of the book. These additions show the problems resulting from Excision and Infibuation in graphic form - juxtaposed with the pictures in

the front of the book: first the results at the time of the operation, next the problems at menstruation and finally obstructed labor due to the hardened scars - resulting in damage to mother and baby. In each book sent to Africa is a note to the reader to write us that her/his daughters will not be operated - now that they have learned from the pictures the results - and we shall send more books.

We have distributed the CBPBs to local groups all over Africa since the early 1980s - over 70.000 books - and more letters arrive every week asking for books. (See report on distribution in this issue). They are also used by African Immigrant groups all over Europe and even in New Zealand: we shall make as many copies available as are needed for any programs to prevent FGM."

ETHIOPIA: WOMEN AND HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES

TADELECH HAILE MICHAEL, MINISTER, WOMEN'S AFFAIRS, ETHIOPIA

"Ethiopia is one of the least developed countries in the world with the third largest population in Africa (61.6 million). It has a very high infant mortality (188/1000) and maternal mortality (1400/100,000).

Ethiopia has a great number of ethnic groups where traditional practices are widespread in almost all ethnic cultures. There are good traditional practices and harmful ones affecting the health of the people, hindering economic development. The Ethiopian Government has promulgated a National Constitution that says, 'the State shall enforce the right of women to eliminate the influences of harmful customs. Practices that oppress or cause bodily or mental harm to women are prohibited'. Article 35/4. Ethiopia is one of the least developed countries as per UN categorization...

Inadequate basic services such as education and health care, water supply and sanitation, poor infrastructure deepen the level of poverty in the rural areas. Against this background women are the prime victims of poverty. Ethiopia is committed to the implementation of the Beiging Platform for Action that spelled out 12 critical areas of concern, which are in line with national programs and priorities.

WOMEN AND HEALTH

Health service coverage is inadequate particularly MCH services in rural areas... High prevalence of Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) affect the health of women and children...Violence against women is widespread including rape and abductions...The women related HTPs are early marriage and marriage by abduction performed in the northern and southern parts of the country... When it comes to awareness and rejection of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) it is low compared to early marriage. There is support for eradication of early marriage and marriage by abduction...

FGM, early marriage and food discrimination are directly linked to the subordinate position of women. A high proportion of the respondents 85.3% and 74.7% agree to the eradication of early marriage and abduction respectively. While FGM (sunna) is widely practiced almost all over the country there is resistance to its eradication...

THE WAY FORWARD

- Educational and health infrastructure to reach the rural population.

- Mass education through all means of media focusing on women, youth and different age groups.

- Sensitizing and committing religious leaders and opinion makers in the community to advocate against FGM, early marriage and abduction.

- Enhancing the status of women in the society and creating awareness on the harmful effect of HTPs-FGM in respect to the human rights of women.

- Coordinated effort of government, non-governmental bodies, civic societies and the private sector to work together in support of women at the grass roots level so that they can become advocates for their own cause.

- Enabling women to build up their capacity and skills so that they can be partners and beneficiaries in eradicating poverty.

MEASURES TAKEN: A NATIONAL WOMEN'S POLICY (1993)

In conclusion. Change in HTP in general and FGM in particular is needed...In the context of the traditional society of Ethiopia where 85% of the population are living in rural areas, legal provisions are not solutions to the eradication of HTPs. We do need infrastructure for activities for the grass roots women to inform them about the existence of these initiatives...

INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS

In all federal sector ministries and commissions at the central level and in all the nine regional states and the two administrative regions Women's Affairs Offices are established. They are responsible for the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the follow-up of the gender policy and the Beijing Platform for Action. They are also responsible for the coordination of the government, NGOs and women group activities... The constitution of 1995 has enshrined for the first time all the principles of the human rights conventions including CEDAW. Based on the spirit of the constitution new laws are being promulgated., repealing discriminatory ones and replacing them by provisions that promote women s rights. ... In conclusion, change in HTPs in general and FGM in particular is needed.

It is our conviction in government that we all have to help in facilitating the eradication of poverty, the chief perpetrator of HTPs and FGM is a major one..."

AUSTRIAN LAW AND FGM

MIN.R. DR. ALBIN DEARING (translated from German)

"Immigrants need to be informed that traditional practices such as marriage of underage girls without their consent, Female Genital Mutilation(FGM), are punishable actions in the legal domain of the European Union. Girls and women who are threatened in their countries of origin can ask for asylum and are protected from deportation to a country where such threats exist. Specific prevention programs have been developed in collaboration with migrants from such countries and NGOs. The European Member States shall undertake consiousness raising measures.

Austrian Asylum Law depends on the resolutions of the Geneva Refugee Convention which are applicable beyond the borders of Austria. In connection with Female Genital Mutilation the threat of persecution is a reason for granting asylum according to the Geneva Refugee Convention and meeting three central conditions:

First, there have to be convincing reasons for the assumption that the life and freedom of the woman is threatened. The concept of freedom needs to be defined: the threat of physical violence against women is a danger for the freedom of the woman according to the Geneva Refugee Convention.

Second, persecution according to the Geneva Refugee Convention exists only if the danger for the woman is based on a threat by the Government. FGM is being perpetrated by private persons, not by Governments. However, if the Government due to the widespread practice of FGM is not able or willing to stop this practice, the failure of the State to act is interpreted as persecution.

Third, according to the Geneva Refugee Convention persecution is founded on specific causes. Against the threat of persecution based on specific causes such as belonging of women to a specific religion, for instance Islam, stands the fact that FGM is not based on a specific religion as it is also done by Christians in some countries. The Geneva Refugee Convention, however, also recognizes persecution due to membership in a specific social group: this applies to women who are threatened by FGM as women, that is as member of their gender. Against this can be said that gender is a biological attribute and not a social one. However, this is not correct: women are a social group, as long as the biological fact of their gender results in considerable social discrimination.

So far the decision has been negative because of conflicting statements and contradictions."

FINAL REPORT: ASSESSMENT MISSION ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN ETHIOPIA CONDUCTED BY MAG. MARIJANA GRANDITS DURING AUGUST 2000 - SPONSORED BY OPEC AND THE AUSTRIAN MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS - OCTOBER 2000

Mag. Marijana Grandits, Pressgasse 28/6, A-1040 Vienna, AUSTRIA

CONTENTS:

"Introduction // Background Information on Ethiopia // Harmful Traditional Practises in Ethiopia // Female Genital Mutilation in Ethiopia // Strategies for Prevention/Eradication // Conclusions and Recommendations // References // Annex."

CLOSING STATEMENT BY MME. CHANTAL COMPAORE GOODWILL AMBASSADOR OF THE IAC AND FIRST LADY OF BURKINA FASO

(translated from French)

"We are at the end of two days of work which has brought together experts from different areas to discuss the question of FGM.

The introduction made by Ms. Hadis, president of the African Women's Organization in Vienna, has informed us on the problems of FGM. I welcome the frank discussion of the participants and the resulting conclusions. The recommendations resulting from this meeting will contribute and improve the strategies used so far and strengthen North/South cooperation and make it into a chain of solidarity which will safeguard the physical integrity of women and girls.

As Goodwill Ambassador for the Inter-African Committee (IAC), I want to express how much our organization appreciates initiatives that stimulate actions against practices that damage women and children. I want to close this meeting, but first I would like to congratulate and thank the organizers for setting an example of working together in solidarity across all borders to stop all mutilations.

We hope that the partnership between the IAC and the African Women's Organization of Vienna will be successful. I now declare the conference on the prevention and elimination of FGM closed."

COPYRIGHT 2001 Women's International Network
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group