{UAH} IS IT FGM IF I ALLOW IT?

IS IT FGM IF I ALLOW IT?

Racheal grew up in a culture where the girls are 'circumcised' before they become women. She was both anxious and eager to 'become' a woman. However, a health worker informed her that this practice is now illegal. But an aunt told her that if she still wants, they can do it and it will not be a problem. So, is it still illegal if Racheal allows it?

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

This practice of female 'circumcision' is known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). According to our constitution, no person should be subjected to any form of torture or cruel, inhuman treatment or punishment. FGM is a very painful process where razorblades and other objects are used to cut the girls' genitals therefore it is an inhuman treatment to the girls.

Some girls have been made to believe that it is right to practice it and therefore willingly accept to be mutilated. Consenting to female mutilation does not make it right or lawful. No one can consent to torture or inhuman treatment according to the law. The constitution respects our cultures, but the cultures must be in conformity with our Constitution which is the supreme law of our land otherwise that cultural practice is invalid to the extent that it acts against the law.

FGM was not in conformity with our law, that is why it was banned from being practised So, whether one allows to be mutilated or not, it does not change the fact that it is a criminal offence punishable under the law if Racheal and those who participate are convicted.

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"When a man is stung by a bee, he doesn't set off to destroy all beehives"

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