“Girls miss school when they undergo FGM procedure. Afterwards they are absent a lot” – Kebebe Muntasha, 38, headmaster
“Our school works in cooperation with Plan International by providing education on the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
“Before, most of the girls did not attend school for a long period of time around their FGM procedure. Afterwards they started being absent more often. Girls did not do as well in school as boys.
“I have supported the founding of the Uncut Girls’ Club at our school. The members of the club discuss FGM, early marriages and other harmful practices. They spread the word in their own communities too. This has really made a difference. Many boys in our school have joined the effort and publicly announced that they will marry a girl who has not been cut.
“Our community still regards girls as inferior to boys. My dream is for the girls to rise up to the same level with boys, because I can see they can do just as well in their studies.
“When I started to speaking out against FGM, people tried to silence me with claims founded on traditional beliefs. Many people believe that uncut girls will break things and run out to be with men. My response was always that those claims are superstitious and not based on fact. Then I would disclose some facts on how FGM causes complications in childbirth, for example.
“My nine-year-old daughter has not had FGM, and will not have it. Her goal is to be the Chair of Uncut Girls’ Club.”
© Content Credits: Plan International
