2024-09-05 14:07:10
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In the Republic of Guinea, the practice of excision, or female genital mutilation (FGM), remains a painful reality for many women and girls. This deeply rooted custom has serious physical, psychological and social consequences, which continue to affect entire generations despite growing efforts to eradicate it.
The physical consequences of FGM are particularly alarming. The procedures, which range from simple incisions to complete removal of the external genitalia, often result in acute and chronic pain. In addition, the risks of infection, bleeding, and complications during childbirth are high. Urinary and menstrual problems, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urinary tract infections, and painful menstruation, are also common. FGM women may also experience sexual difficulties, including problems with lubrication and decreased sexual pleasure.
Obstetrically, complications during childbirth are common, increasing the risk of caesarean sections and postpartum hemorrhage. The psychological consequences of FGM are equally severe, with emotional trauma that causes pain, anxiety, depression and confusion about body identity and sexuality.
Furthermore, the social repercussions of FGM are not negligible. FGM/C women may face stigma, discrimination, and tensions in family and community relationships, often exacerbated by cultural expectations. These deleterious effects on family and community relationships underscore the complexity of combating the practice.
A recent case highlights these challenges in a poignant way. The Diabaté family, originally from Upper Guinea, lives with the anguish linked to this practice. Mory Diabaté and his wife Fanta recently revealed their concern for their daughter Sira Aris Diabaté, born on September 26, 2011, who was forcibly excised at the age of 11 by her aunt during a vacation. This traumatic experience has deeply affected the family.
In addition, the parents express their fear for their second daughter, Fanta Aris Diabaté, born on August 7, 2020. Mory Diabaté fears that, despite the negative repercussions, the tradition continues to put pressure on the family, with some members justifying this practice with fallacious arguments drawn from Islam.
According to statistics, the Republic of Guinea is the 2nd country most affected by excision. Indeed, 97% of women aged 15 to 49 are excised. And unlike other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, this practice is not declining.
The persistence of FGM in the Republic of Guinea despite growing condemnation from health and human rights organizations underscores the urgency of deeper intervention. Efforts must focus on education, awareness-raising, and support for families to eradicate this harmful practice and offer women and girls a future free from pain and discrimination.
YOUR Aboubacar
Lawyer-journalist