By Amin Kef Sesay
On Friday, 28 August 2020, the Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society, Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL) organized a one-day session on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or Cutting and Menstrual Hygiene Management at the Manjama Institute of Agriculture, Shellmingo in Bo.
The gathering brought together more than thirty (30) parents in order to enhance their knowledge on the negative impacts associated with some of the traditional practices of FGM/C.
Welcoming the participants, the Director of WAVES-SL, Hannah Yambasu, informed that her organization recognizes the country’s traditional and cultural practices especially those that add value to the existence of human beings.
She went on to say that Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting is rated amongst the practices that are considered harmful because of the negative effects they exhibit on women and girls. “The practice of FGM has numerous disastrous consequences and also constitute an act of violation on the human rights of women and girls, ” Madam Yambasu said.
The Project Officer of WAVES-SL and coordinator of the session, Laura Miatta Lahai said the Public Health engagement with parents is part of WAVES-SL intervention, through a project supported by AMPLIFY CHANGE, to strengthen school girls’ club towards the building of movements to end FGM.
She disclosed that the project seeks to increase the advocacy intervention of boys and girls through various strategies in an attempt to eradicate FGM.
She explained that FGM and improper menstrual hygiene management have shared health issues. “Research has proved that in communities where female genital cutting is practiced, multiple health risks exist, ” Laura said.
She further stated that where the vaginal aperture is inadequate for menstrual flow, a blockage and build-up of blood clot is created behind the infibulated area. “This,” she said, “can be a cause for protracted and painful period, increased odour, discomfort and potential for additional infections.”
Madam Lahai told the parents that it is as a result of the said health issues that WAVES-SL is engaging them in dialogue sessions and advocacy activities on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Menstrual Hygiene Management.
Responding on behalf of other participants, Madam Isata B.M Kallon thanked WAVES for organizing the engagement. She said the session broadened their knowledge on both the short and long-term effects of FGM and Menstrual Hygiene Management.
“This training has enlightened us on consequences of FGM and ways to assist our daughters on issues related to menstrual hygiene management,” she affirmed.
The participants pledged to share with their neighbours the knowledge that they have acquired from WAVES during the public health talk.
Some of the topics discussed during the engagement are: Meaning and Origin of FGM, Short and Long-term Effects of FGM, Is FGM a Public Health Issue, The Role and Purpose of the Vulva, Menstrual Hygiene Management, FGM.
For any enquiries contact the Communications Officer, WAVES-SL on +23279-011-500.
E-mail: alusinerogers@gmail.com
