Activists celebrate FGM ban
Women’s rights activists celebrated the passing of a new law banning female genital mutilation (FGM) at the Mansion House on Friday 15 June.
The meeting also focused on the next stage in eradicating the practice in Ireland, with speakers referring to the need to combat ignorance of issue among the public.
Many in attendance stated that better information would also help deter people from citing culture as an excuse for such treatment.
Dublin MEP Emer Costello highlighted some strategies that she believes need to be adapted going forward.
“Education must be enforced to raise awareness about the issue, and statistics to detect its spread are needed, as well as directives shall be given to the victims”, she said, adding that the European Parliament is committed to fighting FGM.
Campaigners who championed the ban on FGM in Ireland were also praised for their strong commitment.
Colm O’Gorman, executive director of Amnesty International Ireland, said the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2012 was a piece of history created thanks to the efforts of immigrants such as Ifrah Ahmed from Somalia.
He said the success of the campaign implies that new issues brought by the multicultural society can gain traction within democratic Ireland.
Other speakers at the event included Dublin Lord Mayor Andrew Montague, Minister of Trade and Development Joe Costello and UNCHR Ireland head of office Sophie Magennis, who all expressed their appreciation for Ahmed’s commitment.
