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The EECMY
South West Synod (SWS) held a 4-day workshop on Harmful Traditional
Practices with special focus on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) from
August 15-19, 2006 at Hosanna, for 131 participants. Eighty one women
and 50 men came from 33 parishes and 8 outreach areas. This Workshop
was sponsored by “Sign of Hope”, an organization from Germany.
The aim of the workshop was to “save one person”. Topics covered were
Harmful Traditional Practices; experiences from SWS and
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with special attention to excision and infibulations; Selection of
Target Groups and Communication; Testimonies from women who suffered
from fistula due to severe excision and subsequent scar tissue; HIV and
AIDS in relation to Harmful Traditional Practices; Facilitation Skill
and Communication; Teaching Methods and Recommendations. The
facilitators were from the National Committee on Traditional Practices
of Ethiopia, EECMY DASSC staff (Gender Expert and HIV and AIDS
Consultant) and SWS Staff. |
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EECMY; Female Genital Mutilation and its types
From the testimonies of the women, specially the two who suffered
fistula problems, it became evident that FGM practiced in the coverage
area of SWS is as severe as infibulations in Somali region as well as
fistula problem caused by early marriage in the Northern part of
Ethiopia, e.g. Wollo.
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After lengthy discussion, the participants resolved to stop FGM starting with their own daughters. one wrote her/his own commitment on a piece of paper. At the
closing ceremony everyone gathered in a big circle and all participants joined hands and
shared their commitment to combat FGM. Hence we call for holding hands
to join those women. |
