West Africa hosts world’s first clitoral repair hospital
West Africa will host what is said to be the world’s first clitoral repair hospital for victims of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). PHOTO | COURTSEY
What you need to know:
- FGM is widely practised in Africa, but more so in West and north-east Africa where religion, cultural beliefs, and politics have hampered efforts to discourage it.
- Clitoraid says it is providing free surgery for any victim of FGM who wants it. The procedure is said to cost over $300 in private clinics, far out of rich for a vast majority of victims.
West Africa will host what is said to be the world’s first clitoral repair hospital for victims of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The hospital, which is set to open officially this March, is located in Burkina-Faso’s Bobo-Dioulasso region.
It will conduct reconstructive surgery on FGM victims to “restore” their pleasure.
The hospital was built with the help of donated funds and through the efforts of worldwide volunteers, US-based non-profit organisation Clitoraid.
The First Lady of Burkina Faso, Chantal Compaore, is expected to grace the opening ceremony which is planned to be used to send a message to the rest of the world about the danger of FGM.
“Having Chantal Compaore’s support and presence on March 7 is such a wonderful way to celebrate this opening!” Nadine Gary, Communications Director of Clitoraid, was quoted in a statement.
“She has been a steadfast voice against the horrors of FGM, and we’re honoured that she will be there.”
FGM is widely practised in Africa, but more so in West and north-east Africa where religion, cultural beliefs, and politics have hampered efforts to discourage it.
The United Nations in 2012 adopted a resolution characterising it as a violation of human rights and urged member states to pass legislations banning it.
In Sierra Leone and many countries in this sub region, it was only restricted to age limit, in principle, but the practice still is widespread. Politicians are reluctant to discuss it for fear of political backlash.
The WHO estimates that 140 million women have fallen victims of the practice worldwide.
In Africa, according to the global health body, three million girls are at risk of undergoing the practice every year.
Clitoraid says it is providing free surgery for any victim of FGM who wants it. The procedure is said to cost over $300 in private clinics, far out of rich for a vast majority of victims.
Those who practice FGM often say one of its significance is imposition of control of sexual desires in women thereby ensuring discipline in marital relationships.
