Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to be a major issue in Kisii County, where medicalization has become a growing trend. Recent statistics indicate that two out of three FGM cases in the region are performed by health practitioners, unlike much of the country, where 70% of cases are carried out by traditional practitioners. In an effort to address this alarming trend, the Victory Child Empowerment (VCE) team is actively engaging healthcare providers at the Nyagechenche Dispensary to raise awareness and prevent the medicalization of FGM.
Medicalization of FGM: A Growing Concern
Medicalized FGM refers to the practice of healthcare providers performing or assisting in FGM procedures. While the intention may be to reduce harm, medicalized FGM legitimizes and perpetuates a practice that violates human rights and causes lasting physical and psychological harm. It contradicts the core principles of healthcare ethics, which prioritize the well-being and dignity of patients. VCE is committed to working with healthcare workers to ensure that they are part of the solution, not the problem.
Key Areas of Focus
During the sensitization session, VCE highlighted several key aspects of medicalized FGM:
Understanding Medicalized FGM: VCE provided healthcare workers with a comprehensive overview of what medicalized FGM entails and the critical role they plays in either perpetuating or preventing this harmful practice.
Contributing Factors: Discussions explored the reasons behind the rise of medicalized FGM, including social pressure, misconceptions about harm reduction, and the involvement of trained professionals.
The Role of Healthcare Workers: VCE emphasized the importance of healthcare providers standing against medicalized FGM, ensuring that their role is to protect and care for their patients rather than uphold harmful traditions.
A Collaborative Approach to Ending FGM
By engaging healthcare providers, VCE aims to dismantle the misconceptions surrounding medicalized FGM and encourage those in the medical field to be advocates for the rights and dignity of women and girls. This effort is part of a broader initiative to eradicate FGM and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Kisii County.
We are proud to be part of a global movement to eliminate FGM and GBV, working in collaboration with esteemed partners including the Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF), Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI), Initiative to Promote Tolerance and Prevent Violence (INITIATE.MY), International Solidarity Foundation (ISF), Women Power Africa Women Volunteers for Peace (WOVOP), and FEMNET - African Women’s Development and Communication Network. Together, we are creating a safer and more equitable world for women and children.
Working Together for the Best Interest of Women and Children
At VCE, we believe that the eradication of FGM and GBV requires a collective effort. By partnering with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and global organizations, we can make significant strides toward a future free from violence and discrimination.
Stay connected with us for updates on our ongoing efforts and the incredible work being done to protect the rights of women and children.
#Children'sRightsandViolencePreventionFund(CRVPF) #Children'sInvestmentFundFoundation(CIFF) #SexualViolenceResearchInitiative(SVRI) #InitiativetoPromoteToleranceandPreventViolence(INITIATE.MY) #Solidaarisuus/InternationalSolidarityFoundation(ISF) #WomenPowerAfricaWomenVolunteersforPeace(WOVOP) #AfricanWomen'sDevelopmentandCommunicationNetwork(FEMNET) #EuropeanUnionKenya
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