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One of the most alarming things as a woman is the continued prevelance of genital mutilation (excision – a sterile medical term for what really happens) in many, many places around the world.

The vast majority of Malian women, rural and urban, rich and poor, regardless of education level, have suffered FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) - see this site.  About 90-95% of young girls in this region are subject to this practice's more extreme form – usually BEFORE the age of 10 yrs old. 

 The type of FGM perpertrated on these young girls involves the complete removal of the labia minora and most of the labia majora, and in some cases the complete removal of the clitoris.  Often this is preformed by an elder woman in a village, without anaesthetic or sterilized instruments – usually a razor blade or knife is used.  The healed vagina is then again re-opened, in some cases by a husband with a knife, on the wedding night.

Results of this practice are always disastrous:  Many die during the procedure due to shock.  Long term health consequences are severe – including in persistent infection, cysts,  infertility,  AIDS/HIV to name a few.  Mental health consequences are just as severe – anguish, shame, denied sexuality.  

I saw this poster many times as we drove through Pays Dogon…It will not end the practice though and Mali is not the only country!  If you want to do something about it or just educate yourself more fully, please see this website about Mali or this site.

STOP EXCISION