The International Day of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (6 Feb)

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for those who are suffered and threatened by FGM]

Nengai, experienced FGM/C at 9 years of age, was told, ‘You need to be circumcised to be married, so that if you get pregnant you don’t bring shame to your family.’

Agnes, 14 years old, says, ‘They covered my face… grabbed my legs and arms, and then excised me. Blood was coming out.’

Kiouala, 51 years old, recalls, ‘When they finished cutting me and made me stand up, those who went before me were sitting on leaves. I saw blood everywhere. This fear, I still have it inside.’

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

According to a recent UNICEF publication, at least 125 million girls and women have experienced FGM in 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the practice is concentrated. Given present trends, as many as 30 million girls under the age of 15 may still be at risk.

‘There are many traditional harmful practices which are detrimental to the women only. The most inhuman thing is that they have to go through female genital mutilation.’ CEDAR’s programme officer shared after visiting Ethiopia. FGM may cause severe pain and can result in prolonged bleeding, infection and even death. It violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruelty, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life. ‘Statistics show that many girls or women die from FGM. Although this is already banned by the law, it is still commonly practiced in many villages.’

With the effort of fighting against this harmful traditional practice by UN agencies and NGOs, FGM is becoming less prevalent overall and the younger generation is less vulnerable to the practice. According to UNICEF estimates, on average, 36 % of girls aged 15-19 have been cut compared to an estimated 53 % of women aged 45-49. However, there are still 30 million girls at risk who need our prayers, protection and support. [UN, UNICEF, UN Women]

Meditate on Scripture:

‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?’ Isaiah 58: 6-7

Oh Lord, we heard the voice, read the word and saw the video of the girls and women who have been suffered from FGM. They were created by God in Your image, just like us. However, their value and dignity of life is destroyed by the inhuman culture and traditional practice. Oh Lord, please let us know how we can stand by them to fight against FGM and gender discriminations in their culture and society.

Pray for those who are suffered and threatened by FGM:

  • Pray that FGM will be ended very soon;
  • Pray that God will protect and rescue those girls who are still threatened by FGM;
  • Pray that God will change the culture and value of those FGM prevailing nations and communities, let them recognise the value and dignity of female placed by God;
  • Pray for God’s mercy and healing to those women who are still suffered from the sequela of FGM.

The Violence in Myanmar Bringing Negative Impact on Children

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for Myanmar’s Rakhine State]

Valerie Amos Visits Myanmar

Since June 2012, Rakhine State in Myanmar has been the site of inter-communal violence and caused tens of thousands of people displaced. The latest wave of violence broke out on 29 September in the southern town of Thandwe subsequently spread to several townships. Deaths have been reported, along with the destruction of some 110 homes. It also caused a new wave of displacement of families and added to the fears of those displaced last year. UNICEF is concerned that displacement puts children at greater risk of family separation and domestic violence, they miss out on schooling and too frequently they experience physical and emotional damage. Besides, the polarization resulting from ongoing inter-communal violence could stall or put the many important reform processes currently underway in Myanmar at risk, with negative repercussions for all of Myanmar’s children. Therefore, peace-building and reconciliation activities must be prioritized in view of children’s rights and future. [UNICEF]

Pray for Myanmar’s Rakhine State :

  • Pray for an end to the violence in the areas and reconciliation between different groups;
  • Remember those children and families which are affected and displaced due to the violence;
  • Pray also for protection of the children’s rights and future.

 

Support for Eradication of FGM

Posted on by 施達基金會

[ePrayer – Pray for the elimination of FGM]

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UNICEF reported over 125 million women and girls in 29 countries across Africa and Asia have undergone female genital mutilation (‘FGM’). 30 million girls are still at risk of suffering FGM in the next decade. Egypt is top-listed with 27.2 million females having got FGM. The highest percentage among female populations suffering FGM is in Somalia, 98%. The younger generation of girls is less likely to undergo FGM and is more educated and aware of the negative consequences of FGM. Men need to be included in the fight against FGM as many males are reported willing to see an end to this traditional practice. More community protective measures including supports to girls evading FGM are suggested. [IPS]

Pray for the elimination of FGM:

  • Pray for concerted effort around the world for FGM elimination;
  • Pray that both men and women can speak out that they want this harmful practice eliminated;
  • Pray also for FGM victims in overcoming any traumatic effect.