Interview with FGM practitioner
Amina and Valerie Browning, APDA

29 January 2025

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply ingrained tradition in Ethiopia despite its severe health risks. In the following conversation, Amina and Valerie shed light on the cultural pressures and misconceptions that surround FGM, as well as its devastating physical consequences. Their insights emphasize the urgent need for education, support, and advocacy to end this harmful tradition.

Why is FGM still being carried out?

Amina: Because our culture says we should do it. It is not because we want to hurt our children.

 

Is there a religion that requires it?

Amina: No religion that requires it, but some clans believe that we are doing it to follow our religion.

 

What are the effects of FGM?

Valerie: FGM is very dangerous. There is profuse bleeding, the wounds are slow to heal and women can suffer a lifetime of pain, particularly when dealing with periods, intercourse and childbirth. There are many deaths during pregnancy due to FGM, both mother and baby.

 

These women underwent FGM and know the suffering caused. Why do they then do this to their daughters?

Valerie: They often don’t want to do it but suffer criticism from others in their clan. There is fear that if their daughter is not cut no one will marry her. Both men and women are reluctant to stop the practice, men worry an uncut woman will be promiscuous and girls worry no man will marry them.
There are still big gaps between what is acceptable for a man and for a woman; a woman is still expected to be ‘pure’ at marriage.

 


Your Support Can Make a Difference

Ending FGM is a monumental task. Amina’s experience teaches us that change is possible but requires time and persistence. With your support, we can help accelerate this change. We need to provide education, resources, and support to more communities, helping
them to see the benefits of abandoning this practice.


How You Can Help

1. Donate: Your contribution will support educational programs, provide resources for community outreach, and assist in the training of advocates like Amina.
2. Spread the Word: Share Amina’s story and raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and the efforts to end it.
3. Get Involved: Partner with us in organising events or workshops that promote FGM awareness and prevention.

 

You can help stop FGM in Ethiopia by donating today

 

Donate Now

 

Valerie Browning (centre) standing with a woman and child
Valerie Browning (centre) with a woman and child