Fighting Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Djibouti:

A Culture of Tradition and Change.

Despite the campaign to end female genital mutilation in Djibouti, which has gained traction in parts of the world, including Djibouti, it still remains a difficult-to-erase practice.

Just last week, the World Health Organization reported its prevalence in over 100 nations.

According to Arrow Despite the country’s legal prohibition of the practice, it remains common among a lot of the female population. It is more prevalent in rural areas where traditional beliefs and customs hold great authority.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Prevalence in Djibouti

According to recent UNICEF reports, FGM prevalence rates in Djibouti, a small nation in East Africa, are some of the highest in the world, with around 93% of women and girls harmed by the practice.

This has led many human rights organizations and local activists to call for stronger action to eradicate the practice and shield girls from its damaging impact.

The War on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

In Djibouti, the war on FGM is not only against a harmful cultural practice but also a challenging battle that deals with legal pressures, social integration, and health.

Although there are laws banning the practice, enforcement has been weak, and it is widespread in rural communities where resistance to change is strongest.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

FGM means the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

It is performed most commonly in early childhood or adolescence and can leave severe physical and psychological effects, including chronic pain, infections, complications during childbirth, or even death in some cases.

FGM provides no health advantages, and its negative outcomes are well documented by medical personnel and human rights organizations worldwide.

However, it continues to exist in many areas, entrenched by deeply rooted social and cultural ideologies, often viewed as a rite of passage, a means to guarantee marital fidelity, or an enactment of family honor.

Djibouti’s Efforts to End FGM

International pressure and advocacy have been mounting, prompting the Djiboutian government to respond to calls to address FGM.

Djibouti formally outlawed the practice in 1995, and various efforts have since been made, including awareness campaigns, health initiatives, and laws to punish offenders.

Yet, these efforts still face enormous obstacles to ending FGM. The biggest difficulty is the common myth in rural communities that FGM is an integral component of cultural identity, and girls need to go through it to be prepared for adulthood.

Activists in Djibouti report that while the law prohibits the practice, many community and religious leaders back it, complicating legal enforcement.

Additionally, limited attempts to educate the public and engage in outreach efforts aimed at changing acceptance of the practice mean many girls continue to be subjected to FGM, especially in rural and isolated communities where traditional norms may be rigid.

Activism and Grassroots Movements

Over the years, activists and NGOs have taken the lead in combating FGM in Djibouti.

These organizations collaborate with local communities to promote awareness of the negative consequences of FGM, educate about alternative rites of passage for girls, and encourage families to abandon the practice.

Activists have also called for legal reform, better enforcement of anti-FGM laws, and more support for victims. Moreover, these organizations have actively engaged with local leadership and clergy to debunk myths about FGM being a vital part of culture or religion.

Among these initiatives is the grassroots “Stop FGM Djibouti” campaign, which has made significant progress in raising awareness, especially among young women.

By partnering with schools, universities, and social media platforms, this campaign has brought FGM to the forefront of national conversation.

The Role of International Organizations

In Djibouti, the fight against FGM has benefited greatly from the international community’s role.

Organizations like UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Amnesty International have provided significant financial and logistical support to anti-FGM campaigns, helping elevate local voices and expand programs confronting cultural practices.

UNICEF has pioneered community-based programs involving mothers, fathers, teachers, and health professionals to end FGM.

The efforts of these organizations have helped change perceptions among the public through localized awareness campaigns, especially in urban areas where available healthcare and education are more accessible.

Challenges in Ending FGM

Progress has been made in Djibouti, but challenges remain daunting. FGM continues to be an issue due to cultural customs, profound patriarchy, and economic problems.

In the countryside, where customs are strictly observed, the practice is often regarded as a rite of passage or a duty to maintain social status within the community.

A strong stigma persists regarding women and girls who have not undergone FGM. In some cases, girls are married off early or may face social ostracization if not subjected to the practice.

What Lies Ahead: An Invitation to Join In

Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Djibouti will demand a concerted social effort on all fronts.

This harmful practice can only be erased when governments, civil society groups, health professionals, and community leaders collaborate to end it.

Key Strategies Include:

• Harsher Enforcement of Laws: The government should ensure enforcement of the law against FGM and punish those who perpetrate such crimes.
• Education and Awareness: Educating rural populations and engaging religious leaders is essential for influencing cultural attitudes and helping people understand the negative consequences of FGM.
• Survivors Support: Offering victims of FGM medical, psychological, and social support is vital in helping them overcome the trauma of FGM.
• Community Engagement: Maintaining trust within local communities and leaders is important for changing perceptions of FGM and developing alternative traditions that are not harmful to girls.

Djibouti still has a long way to go before eradicating FGM completely, but continued activism, sensitization, and global support are likely to ensure that this harmful practice will soon be only a question of the past, prioritizing the rights and health of future generations of women and girls.