Liberian President Tells U.N. General Assembly She Will Ban FGM!

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last week, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made a commitment on gender equality and women’s empowerment.  The commitment by President Sirleaf includes domestic violence and female genital mutilation.  She promised to ensure that the domestic violence bill is passed into law, that female genital mutilation (FGM) is banned and to ensure the participation of women in politics in that West African nation.  According to the report, Sirleaf committed to ensure the complete adherence to the enforcement of the ban on female genital mutilation; that is in light of the 2011 Law on Children which offers protection against all forms of violence, including FGM.

While Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation applauds the Liberian President for the long-awaited announcement against both domestic violence and female genital mutilation, the actual enactment of the ban remains to be seen.  The President makes this announcement in the wake of the end of her tenure.  During her administration, it has been noted that the President has been soft on the practice of female genital mutilation.

With the strong hold on the practice of FGM by the Sande Society in that country, it is not surprising that anti-FGM Liberians are pessimistic over their President’s recent announcement.  Many countries on the continent of Africa have banned the practice of FGM, yet most of those countries continue to battle the practice.  Egypt was the first country on that continent to ban the practice, but a thirteen year old girl lost her life last year to FGM in that country.  Banning or outlawing the practice only puts the law on the books in a country; it does not guarantee eradication.

The most important factor is the enforcement of the law against this practice.  Will the Liberian law authorities be able to enforce the law and bring perpetrators to justice?  Many of the Liberian lawmakers are bonafide members of the Poro and Sande Societies.  The Poro Society is the male version of the female Sande; the Sande Bush schools lead the practice of female genital mutilation in Liberia.

According to the reports, the Liberian President also promised to collaborate with the Liberian Legislature to pass the proposed Domestic Violence Act into law, which was endorsed by the Liberian Cabinet in June this year.  It is currently before the lawmakers for enactment.  The Bill defines Domestic Violence (DV) pursuant to Article 2 of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (VAW).                   

Have You Registered Yet?  We are Approaching Walk Day Quickly!

Don’t be late, register for the Walk to End FGM.  If you are traveling to Washington from out of state, the official hotel for the walk is the JW Marriott.

Click to make your reservations

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The deadline to book your hotel reservations and obtain the special rate is October 9th.  You only have a few more days before the current Walk to End FGM registration fee increases.

Visit www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org to register.

FGM Book Introduction – Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A U.K. Perspective

It is not so often that a book is published about female genital mutilation.  In fact, there are not enough books on the topic.  It is with pleasure that Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation introduces to our readers a new book on female genital mutilation, written by Hilary Burrage.

The book, Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A U.K. Perspective (Ashgate, 2015) details the situation which not only the U.K. currently faces but other Western nations as well.  The author pens her understanding on how female genital mutilation (FGM) became so prevalent in modern Western nations in recent years.

In twelve chapters, the author outlines the consequences of FGM, which are carried out from one generation to another.  She stresses the obstetric problems women encounter after they have undergone female genital mutilation.  She indicates that with health risks and problems, the children of survivors of FGM (both boys and girls) either die or live marred lives due to their difficult entries into the world.  Burrage states, “It is sometimes lethal and often permanently damaging, both physically and psychologically.”

The author solicits statements, interviews and comments from FGM survivors, friends and colleagues of survivors, activists and advocates against female genital mutilation.  This book is recommended as a handbook, an educational piece and a reference source.  It makes for a great read.  The book is available in paperback, hardcover and e-book.

The author, Hilary Burrage is a freelance Sociologist and Community Activist.  She has been a Senior Lecturer in Health and Social care and a University Research Associate in Community Health.  She is also a Non-Executive Director of Merseyside NHS Ambulance & Trust, and a Trustee of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.  She is also a Correspondent with the Guardian.

Would You Like to Be An Ambassador for Global Woman P.E.A.C.E.?

If you are interested in becoming an ambassador for GWPF, send us an email with your brief bio to info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call us with questions 1.703.818.3787.

As part of GWPF’s campaign to educate the American public on the practice of FGM, the organization believes that having a representative in each state is a key factor in helping to raise awareness throughout the U.S.

The requirements to being an ambassador for GWPF are as follows:

  • Have basic general knowledge of the practice of female genital mutilation
  • Be able to speak to an audience about the practice
  • Be able to represent GWPF at an “End FGM Social” in your state
  • Come up with new ideas to raise awareness about the practice of FGM in your state
  • Help promote GWPF’s programs in your state
  • Already have a connection with a university in your state or can establish a connection
  • You do not have to be a survivor or at-risk girl to be an ambassador

The Global Woman Center is Open for Appointments

In Virginia, we are located at 901 South Highland Street, Suite 319, Arlington, Virginia 22204 and in Washington we are at 3920 Alton Place, NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.  The hours of operation at the Arlington location are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00am until 3:00pm for appointments and at the Washington, D.C. location, only Wednesday and Saturday 10:00am until 12:30pm.  All appointments and information are held confidential.

Happy October, the month of the WALK to End FGM!

Are you ready for the walkathon?  Are you ready to “Walk to End FGM?”  We hope you are because we are only 30 days away from the walkathon on Saturday, October 31st!

 

If you have not registered yet, it is not too late.  To register, please visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org, select “Events” and scroll down and click on “Register Now”.

 

We’re pleased to announce that the JW Marriot Hotel is the official hotel of the walkathon.  If you require overnight accommodations, please click this link and make your hotel reservations

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The deadline is Friday, October 9th to receive the special negotiated rate.

 

On the day of the walk, free street parking will be available on Constitution Avenue, but it is first come, first to get the free spaces.  We suggest you take Metro to Federal Triangle, which is the closest metro station.  Metro opens at 7:00am that Saturday.

 

If you are unable to join us in Washington, D.C. on October 31st, you can still participate by making a donation on the site or by sending us a check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, 14001A Grumble Jones Court, Centreville, VA. 20121 and you will become a “virtual walker”.

 

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a virtual walker (support the cause to End FGM!)
  • Register as a survivor (use this code: SURVIVORS2015)
  • Form a team and invite others to join & support your team
  • Join a team that has already been formed or support a team
  • Register as a volunteer (use this code: VOLUN2015) we need 20 volunteers so once the site has registered the 20th volunteer, it will cut it off.
  • Make a donation (if you are unable to attend register as a virtual walker)
  • Sponsor a team or an individual walker
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details 703.818.3787)

 

This is the second walk in the U.S. to End FGM.  Register and be a part of the campaign to end female genital mutilation.  Thanks!

 

Your donation and registration fee are tax deductible.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

First “End FGM Social” Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 30, 2015!

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation will host their first End FGM Social tomorrow at the George Mason University Arlington campus, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm.  The location of the Social is in Founders Hall, Room 111.  The Social will consist of refreshments and a panel discussion, moderated by a graduate student at George Mason, Ms. Meskerem Damtew.

Following the discussion, Ms. Damtew will open the floor to the audience in a Question & Answer (Q&A) between the panelists and the audience.  Majority of the audience is expected to comprise of the student body of the Graduate School of George Mason University.  Also expected to attend the End FGM Social is the President of the Guinean Women Association of Washington, D.C.

The purpose of holding an End FGM Social is to help raise awareness about female genital mutilation, and educate the community on FGM.  The Social is part of the campaign against FGM in the U.S.  “It is important that we hold the kick-off of our Social at the campus of a leading university in this area”, a board member of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation said.  “Reaching the public at university level is a key component of spreading the word about this awful practice.”

The scheduled panelists are the President and Founder of Inter-Africa Committee-USA, Mrs. Fatoumata Kande-Kouyate, the President of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, Angela Peabody, the Medical Advisor of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, Dr. Chelsia Bhatti and the Media Advisor of Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation, Ms. Arielle Buchmann.  With a panel of this nature and their knowledge of female genital mutilation, the audience will leave this first End FGM Social with much needed information about the practice of FGM.  Check out next week’s newsletter for the details of the result of the Social.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

JW Marriott Washington is Official Walk to End FGM Hotel

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is pleased to announce that the JW Marriott in Washington, D.C. is the official hotel of the Walk to End FGM next month.  The hotel is offering a special discounted rate to all attendees of the Walk to End FGM.

The special discount is in effect for the nights of Thursday, October 29th, Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st.  The deadline to book your reservations and obtain the special rate is October 9th.

To make your room reservation, please click here:

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To date, our confirmed distinguished speakers are Dr. Marci Bowers, Ms. Shelby Quast of Equality Now, Ms. Aissata M.B. Camara, Executive Vice President of There Is No Limit Foundation and Ms. Mariam Bojang.

Remember to save your receipt that is emailed to you when you register for the Walk to End FGM.  You will be required to present that receipt on “Walk” day for onsite registration.

For additional information and updates on the walk-a-thon please look out for the update reminders each Thursday until the week of the event.  We will have weather updates, reminders, wardrobe suggestions (based on weather forecast), parking information, transportation, directions, etc.  Visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

Did You Know…? Burkina Faso – Third African Country to Outlaw FGM

Slightly larger than the U.S. state of Colorado, Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, is a bordered by Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The country consists of extensive plains, low hills, high savannas, and a desert area in the north.  This country gained its independence from France in 1960, and changed its colonial name from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso.  The capital city is Ouagadougou.

According to a report from the UNCHR, the type of female genital mutilation (FGM) practiced in Burkina Faso is Type II, which is more commonly known as the excision. The excision is deeply rooted in the culture and cuts across class, religion and ethnic groups in this country. It is performed throughout the country, in all, with a few exceptions of the provinces of Burkina Faso.

Type II is the excision (removal) of the clitoris together with part or all of the labia minora (the inner vaginal lips). The age at which a person undergoes this practice depends on a woman’s region and ethnic group in Burkina Faso.

Members of the ethnic group, the Mossi excise their daughters at around age seven. Other ethnic groups usually wait until a woman is ready for marriage, or about to have her first child before she is excised. Others have their baby girls excised at birth.

According to sociocultural beliefs, originally the practice of FGM had a single goal of assuring the fidelity of women in Burkina Faso. It is often connected with the rite of passage to adulthood.  Young girls from the majority Mossi group were traditionally secluded during the cutting and taught about their future duties as young women and mothers. The end of the girls’ seclusion was marked by a village-wide celebration with drinking and dancing.

“In the last few years many more people have reported cases of FGM,” said someone from the SP/CNLPE. “This doesn’t mean that more people are practicing FGM, but that more people are aware of the harm caused by the practice and are reporting these cases. In the past they didn’t speak up because FGM is considered a family matter and there is a sense of family and community solidarity. People were afraid they would be treated as social outcasts if they reported cases.  But recently we’ve had many reports from around the whole country, especially from areas where people never reported this before, where there used to be a code of silence surrounding this issue.”

 

In recent years, progress has been made in Burkina Faso regarding FGM.  In 1996, Burkina Faso was the third African country to ban the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).  The First Lady of this country played a vital role in the outlaw of FGM.  She dedicated more than twenty years toward ending the practice in her country.  Statistics show that today, only 9% of people in this West African nation are in favor of the practice of FGM.

In 2014, an organization called Clitoraid together with Dr. Marci Bowers launched the first hospital in Africa to offer the restorative surgery and special OB-GYN services surrounding FGM.   The small hospital located in Bobo Dialasso, Burkina Faso is called Hospital Kamkaso, meaning Pleasure Hospital, and has 17 rooms but it is a great start.  While the restorative surgery in the U.S. costs approximately $1700, at Hospital Kamkaso in Burkina Faso, it only costs $300.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

 Get In On the Campaign and Sign Our Petition

We need your signature to meet our goal.  To sign the petition, please click the link below and watch the video:

Sign Our Petition

If you have questions or comments about the campaign prior to signing the petition, please contact us at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

Reminder to Register for Walk to End FGM 2015

With only less than 5 weeks away from the 5K Walk to End FGM, we are reminding you to register and not delay.  Remember to save your registration confirmation to present it on “Walk” day to claim your t-shirt and bag at the registration table.

Here are the many ways you may register for this event:

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a survivor
  • Form a team and invite others to join your team
  • Join a team that has already been formed
  • Register as a volunteer
  • Make a donation (if you are unable to attend)
  • Sponsor a team or an individual walker (contact us for sponsorship packages)
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details)

 

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law.

Special Low Rate for All FGM Survivors in 2015 Walk-a-thon!!!

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is offering a $20 discount to all FGM survivors on registrations within the next 3 weeks.  This year’s Walk to End FGM is all about the survivors!  To register as a survivor, enter the code, SURVIVOR2015.  If you have problems with registration, contact GWPF at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call 703-818-3787.

  • Register as a survivor
  • Form a survivor team and invite others to join your team

Facts:  Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the intentional removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.  FGM is practiced right here in the United States.

Statistics:  More than 8000 girls are mutilated daily in the world.  513,000 girls in the United States are at risk of being cut.  More than 92 million girls are living with the results of FGM around the world.  Female Genital Mutilation can lead to maternal and/or infant mortality.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

The Countdown Continues to October 31st – 2nd Walk to End FGM!

We are only 5 weeks away from the second annual Walk to End FGM. We continue to remind you to register for the walk.  We will assemble at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW on October 31st.  The excitement is building so join in on the fun!

  • Register as a walker
  • Register as a survivor
  • Form a team and invite others to join your team
  • Join a team that has already been formed
  • Register as a volunteer
  • Make a donation (if you are unable to attend)
  • Sponsor a team or an individual walker (contact us for sponsorship packages)
  • Purchase a Sponsor Display Table (contact us for details)

Visit www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and make your choice from the options above.  We look forward to seeing you there!  All proceeds from the walk-a-thon will benefit the Global Woman Center, which helps FGM survivors have proper OB-GYN healthcare, including restorative surgery.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

Special Low Rate for All FGM Survivors in 2015 Walk-a-thon!!!

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is offering a $20 discount to all FGM survivors on registrations within the next 3 weeks.  This year’s Walk to End FGM is all about the survivors!  To register as a survivor, visit our website at www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and register with the special code, SURVIVORS2015.  Your information will be kept confidential. 

  • Register as a survivor
  • Form a survivor team and invite others to join your team

All proceeds from the walk-a-thon will benefit the Global Woman Center, which helps FGM survivors have proper OB-GYN healthcare, including restorative surgery.  Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law. 

Special Low Rate for All FGM Survivors in 2015 Walk-a-thon!!!

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is offering a $20 discount to all FGM survivors on registrations within the next 3 weeks.  This year’s Walk to End FGM is all about the survivors!  To register as a survivor, contact us for the special code before you register for confidentiality.  Request the code at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org or call 703-818-3787.  Your information will be kept confidential. 

  • Register as a survivor
  • Form a survivor team and invite others to join your team

Visit www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and make your choice from the options above.  We look forward to seeing you there!  All proceeds from the walk-a-thon will benefit the Global Woman Center, which helps FGM survivors have proper OB-GYN healthcare, including restorative surgery.

Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.  As such, your contributions are tax deductible to the maximum extent required by law.