In the heart of Guinea-Bissau, a profound transformation is taking place. Across the regions of Gabu and Bafata, a powerful movement is gaining momentum, as communities are publicly declaring their abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). In just two sessions, an astounding 63 communities have bravely stood up to say "no more" to this harmful practice.
This wave of change is not just a statistic; it's a testament to the courage and resilience of the people of Guinea-Bissau. Each declaration represents a victory for women's rights and a beacon of hope for the future. It signifies a shift in mindset, a rejection of outdated traditions, and a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of girls and women.
One of the communities leading this charge is Nhapo Sintcha, a small village in Gabu. For generations, FGM had been deeply ingrained in their culture. But through education and awareness-raising efforts, the community began to understand the devastating physical and psychological consequences of FGM. Women who had undergone the procedure shared their stories of pain and suffering, while community leaders spoke out against the practice.
“Today, we stand together as a community to protect our daughters and secure their future. We are here to abandon the practice of female genital mutilation because it harms our girls and brings no benefit. Our faith, Islam, guides us towards compassion and care. FGM contradicts these values. It causes immense pain and suffering, and can lead to severe health problems that can last a lifetime.” Said Sumaila Embaló, Nhapo Sintchan community Iman, before continuing “Let us choose the path of knowledge and understanding. Let us choose to protect our daughters and empower them to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Today, we declare our commitment to end FGM in our community. We owe this to our daughters, and we owe it to ourselves.”
The public declaration ceremony, which took place on 10th December 2024, was a momentous occasion. The entire village gathered, men, women, and children, to witness this historic event. The village chief, a respected elder, read out the declaration, his voice filled with emotion. He spoke of the importance of protecting their daughters and granddaughters, of giving them the chance to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
A Future Free from FGM
The women of the village ululated in celebration, their voices echoing through the air. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they realized that a new era had begun, a Future free from FGM. Their daughters would be spared the pain and trauma that they had endured.
In another community in Bafata, Gã Bucar (Xitole sector), the declaration was led by a group of young women. They had been educated about the harmful effects of FGM and were determined to protect their peers. They organized meetings, spoke to their families and friends, and even went door-to-door to spread awareness.
Their efforts paid off. On the day of the declaration, 19th November 2024, the entire community came together in solidarity. The young women stood proudly at the forefront, their voices strong and clear as they read out the declaration. They were met with thunderous applause and cheers of support.
"Today is a day of new beginnings! We are not only putting an end to FGM in our village, but we are also becoming the messengers of change. Thanks to the knowledge we gained from UNFPA and TOSTAN, we are ready to reach out to those beyond our community and share the truth about FGM. Said Mariama Djau, member of Gã Bucar community focus group. These committees are empowered through awareness-raising sessions conducted by UNFPA and the NGO TOSTAN. This collaborative partnership aims to educate and engage more communities, encouraging them to abandon the harmful practice of FGM.
“The awareness raising sessions opened our eyes to the importance of human rights. We learned about the devastating consequences of harmful practices like FGM and forced marriage. But more importantly, we learned how to abandon these practices and build a better future for our daughters and our community. We are committed to spreading this knowledge and ensuring that every girl in our region has the chance to live a healthy and fulfilling life." Mariama Djau, continued.
These public declarations are not just symbolic gestures. They are concrete steps towards ending FGM in Guinea-Bissau. They send a powerful message that FGM is no longer tolerated and that communities are committed to protecting the rights of girls and women.
Although the journey towards ending FGM is still ongoing, but the progress made in Gabu and Bafata is truly inspiring. It shows that change is possible, even in the most deeply rooted traditions. It is a testament to the power of education, awareness, and collective action.
As the news of these declarations spreads, it is hoped that other communities will be inspired to follow suit. The ripple effect of these actions has the potential to transform the lives of countless girls and women in Guinea-Bissau and beyond.
