“Men Are The Custodians Of The Culture – They Have The Power To Enforce The Anti-FGM Law!” - SAMUEL MWANGI
It is estimated
that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female
genital mutilation (FGM) in the countries where the practice is concentrated,
but as pressure grows to end the horror of FGM, it is becoming clear that the
last word may lie with ‘men’ or ‘potential husbands’.
However,
majority of men are in denial or silent to the menace of this practice that has
too often gone under the name of "female circumcision", which makes
it sound as innocuous as what is done to baby boys, but its actual purpose has
been stated as "the control of women's libido".
These passive
set of men see it as ‘a women's issue only’ though to their credence, the
bizarre aspect of it is that it is ‘women-cutters’, who actually do the deed.
The reality is
that understanding the types of men who support female genital mutilation can
help campaigners to end the practice and importantly, Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM) will never end until men also throw their weight behind efforts to
eradicate the potentially deadly practice – that is why one male, SAMUEL MWANGI
(@mwas_2), an anti-FGM activist believes men must get involved in the fight to
end FGM.
Born in Nyeri, Kenya
(approximately 110 miles from Nairobi) – the Nyeri people are small-scale
farmers and in most cases, women are the breadwinners of the family – the resilience
of his grandma gave Samuel a passion to fight for Women’s Rights, which he felt
that they are being marginalized by the patriarchal society.
Samuel Mwangi @mwas_2 |
In an interview,
Samuel disclosed to @stampoutgbv that he is yet to open an organization (though
plans are underway) but is very active in his fight in the social media
platforms.
On what
propelled his fight against FGM, he explained, “I listened to several victims and felt very disappointed on this Rights
violation and decided I must speak out and help the much needed change in our
society.”
He spoke more on
FGM and how men can help eliminate this practice – excerpts.
@stampoutgbv: For men who were born in countries, or
claim ancestry from ethnic groups where FGM is practised, why do these men
believe that FGM makes women 'better wives' and ‘in control of their sexual
desires’?
Sam @mwas_2: Men from
place where FGM is practiced feel that circumcised women will not have sexual
desires and thus, will be faithful.
@stampoutgbv: In
Somalia and some parts of African, FGM is a criteria for marriage –
specifically in Somalia, when a man finds out after the wedding that his lady
is not circumcised, he will send her back home the next day; so, what is your
take on this on FGM being a criteria for marriage in many African countries?
Sam @mwas_2: This is very
wrong and FGM should not be a standard for marriage. Such men ought to join
hands to fight the vice. I believe such should use their voice to eliminate the
vice
@stampoutgbv: In
a lot of instances, it's the women in these communities that insist on
upholding the tradition of FGM, mothers, grandmothers (etc) – so, how do men take
it as a ‘household task’ to talk these women out of the practice?
Sam @mwas_2: It is true
that happens but if that is their culture, men are the custodians for the
culture. They can stamp their authority to stop it.
@stampoutgbv: What are the basic reactions from men in
urban and rural areas of Africa – do they think that the practice of FGM should
be continued (or should it be stopped)?
Sam @mwas_2: Most men, to
be honest, are non-committal. They feel this is non-issue until they are met
with the effects and they are called upon to intervene. Although many feel the
vice needs to be stopped and laws effected.
@stampoutgbv: Is it possible for a man to tell if his
partner was cut or not, and does the Law bind a woman from disclosing this to
her husband if she doesn’t want to?
Sam @mwas_2: A man can
tell if the lady is cut. I believe partners know each other well and one is
open like a book to the other. In my country, FGM is banned – practising it is
illegal.
@stampoutgbv: Are men negatively affected themselves
in their relationship by FGM having happened to their partners? If “yes,” how
are they negatively affected?
Sam @mwas_2: Men must be
affected negatively. There are health effects of FGM that must affect the man.
Also psychological effects of a woman who was violated against her wish.
@stampoutgbv: Have men discussed the effects FGM has
had on their sex lives with you? If “yes,” what are the effects – themselves
and their wives?
Sam @mwas_2: It is hard
for men to discuss about their sex-life especially in Africa set up.
@stampoutgbv: Do you believe the UNICEF report (2013)
that showed that in 16 African countries, the percentage of men who want to
stop FGM is higher than the rate of women who want to stop FGM? The basis of
this question is this: a recent online poll showed that the percentage of men
who wants it stopped is lower than the rate of woman who wants it stopped.
Sam @mwas_2: Yes and No.
Most men take it like non-issue. Factual is that women know the effect and thus,
are determined to end it. The origin is male dominated culture. Culturally, men
want to tame their women, but in urban setting, education has set many women
free.
@stampoutgbv: How can men handle social pressure since
it is common for the elders in their communities to override their decisions
and have the girls cut?
Sam @mwas_2: Tough act to
balance between respect and reality. Sometimes it is good to say “NO” and stick
to it. Fighting for our sisters is the key and the elders will give in to
pressure and persistence.
@stampoutgbv: Why do men need to get involved in the
fight against Female Genital Mutilation and how can they be encouraged to join
the fight?
Sam @mwas_2: Originally,
FGM was cultural and selfish way by men on women sexuality. Men have the power
to enforce the anti-FGM Law. Men need to be encouraged in all fronts to join
the cause. Anti-FGM organizations can work with elders and faith-based men
organizations to be the change.
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