A DUBLIN CONFERENCE on female genital mutilation – followed by a beauty contest featuring ethnically diverse women – attracted over 200 people on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November).
The unique event, organised by United Youth of Ireland, was the brainchild of Somalian woman Ifrah Ahmed, who has spearheaded awareness-raising efforts concerning female genital mutilation (FGM).
Social customs, religion (although no faith obliges FGM) and marriageability are cited factors behind a brutal practice that involves injury to the female genitals for non-medical reasons and causes a host of health problems.
It is most prevalent in Africa and affects up to 140 million girls and women worldwide, including over 2,500 in Ireland.
No known cases of FGM have occurred here but campaigners say there is anecdotal evidence that a small number of girls have been sent to parental or native countries for the practice.
Incoming legislation will make such an act illegal and strengthen legal powers relating to possible cases in Ireland.
Ahmed (23), an FGM survivor who has also taken part in Amnesty International’s END FGM Europe-wide campaign, believes awareness is growing.
“Now more people are learning and knowing about FGM,” she told Metro Éireann. “Important progress has been made by campaigners including members of United Youth of Ireland as a bill outlawing FGM is currently before the Seanad.
“Events such as this are important to ensure this bill is passed successfully.”
Speakers included Labour TD Joe Costello, Emma McKinley of the Children’s Rights Alliance and Saria Khalifa, a youth campaigner against FGM from Forward UK.
The next part of the evening saw the crowning of FGM ambassador Nawwal Salieman (25) and teenager Monika Klinaviciute as Miss Ethnic Ireland. Both roles are intended to raise awareness on FGM through the channel of young people.
Sixteen-year-old Klina-viciute, a Fingal Community College student originally from Lithuania, commented: “For me being Miss Ethnic means a lot of more than just winning the beauty contest.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn and grow, and get experience working with other girls for the campaign against FGM and maybe for other organisations.”
