Issued by Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation March 2010

* Supporting women and girls.

* Vaginaplasty and FGM exposed.

* Interview with Waris Dirie.

* Interview with Sudanese women.

* Changes in Work and Benefits Policies.

* Honour-Based Violence: How many more?

Al-Nisa 14 Editor – in chief:

Nadia Mahmood Mrach 2010 ISSN 1472-0090 Editor

Hanan Ali Contents:

Editorial Word: Assistants Hanan Ali - London

Jessica Maddock Interview with Sawsan…………………………………………. …. 2 Wahab Himmat Xasraw Saya Omer Ahmed Supporting Women and Girls……………………………………... 4

Address: Vaginaplasty and FGM exposed: Jessica Silverstone …………... 7 KMEWO Interview with Surma Hamid……………………………………... 8 Kurdish & Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation Caxton House Interview with Waris Dirie……………………………………… .10 129 St John’s Way London N19 3RQ Interview with Sudanese women …………………………..…….. 12 Tel& Fax:

Changes in Work and Benefits Policies: Debbie Boote ………… 14 0044 207 263 1027 Mobile: 07748851125.

Honour-Based Violence: How many more? ……………………. 15 Email: [email protected] Poems: Website: www.womenagainstviolenceuk.org Books

Editorial Word

FGM violates girls’ and women’s Fundamental Human Rights

Hanan Ali [email protected]

In this issue of Al-Nisa magazine we specifically focused on the issue of female genital mutilation/ cutting (FGM/C) or female circumcision as one of the forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against women and girls.

FGM/C is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) as any procedure involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia or caus- ing other injury to the female child’s genital organs for non-therapeutic reasons. When the proce- dure is performed on and with the consent of an adult it is generally called clitoridectomy or it may be part of the intersexual modification and ‘vaginoplasty’.

The term female genital mutilation gained growing support in the late 1970s as a result of the World Health Organization’s tireless efforts to end the practice by highlighting its long-term health consequences and in 1990 it was adopted at the third conference of the Inter-African Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and children (IAC) in Addis Ababa. In 1991, WHO recommended that the UN adopt the term FGM to show the severity of the practice and its serious violations to human rights; especially that of the girls and women. However, the Women’s World Conference in Beijing in 1995 succeeded in adding the brutal practice of FGM to the International Violence against Women Campaign. The UN declares February the 6th as an In- ternational Day against FGM.

Million women across the world are affected by FGM as it is still practiced in 28 African countries where the majority of the populations are non-Muslims. It also happens in Asia, Middle East, and amongst the migrating communities in Europe and America. In February 2008 the World Health Organisation estimated that between 100 and 140 million women suffered the procedure. It also says that 3 million girls face FGM every year (Al-Jazeera.net).In the UK, the latest research gives an estimate that 77,000 women and young girls have been mutilated, and around 24,000 young girls are at risk (Guardian 17.2.2010).

Although some reports argue that female genital mutilation is carried out for cultural and religious reasons. There is no single verse in the Muslim’s Holly book (Al-Quran) to support FGM. This has been clearly said by many religious authorities including Dr. Yousef Al-Qaradawi. The practice be- came culturally rooted since it emerged a long time ago even before the birth of Christ. However, calling type 3 of FGM ‘pharaohnic’ indicates its existence during the Pharaohs’ rule of Egypt.

Women who are infibulated (pharaohnic) face a lot of difficulty during sexual intercourse and when delivering their children. They go through hell and endure severe tearing of the tissues and fetal death of baby or mother. However, there should be regular heath monitoring during preg- nancy to safely plan the childbirth. These women need an operation beforehand to undo the in- fibulations before having sex and while or before they are in labour.

Editorial Word

Women who were interviewed in different occasions reported that their horrific FGM experience made them feel shocked, traumatised and left psychologically damaged. These women mentioned that, although they had experienced FGM in their early childhood, but they still have a strong mem- ory of what exactly took place that day and will never forgive their mothers for not protecting them. They said they are still grieving the loss and mutilation of their sexual organs. Some report feeling deeply ashamed when meeting their perpetrators. They also inform that sexual intercourse is an un- welcome chore that they want to quit with it, because they do not enjoy it and their men don’t seem bothered to communicate their concerns with them.

Men’s education and knowledge about FGM need to be seriously addressed. We know that some men show empathy with women in opposing FGM, but lack the actual information of how the prac- tice is done and how these women feel when they get intimate. The majority of the women and young girls, in numerous countries and from many different backgrounds, who were interviewed about their reasons of performing FGM report back “men won’t marry uncircumcised girls!” This might be a myth, but we want to ensure the involvement of all parties in society. Although for dec- ades the education of women and girls is in the heart of the national and international organisations’ programmes to eradicate FGM, they have to reconsider a more holistic approach by raising aware- ness amongst the men too as part of the solution to the problem.

FGM is a serious human rights violation against girls and women. It is a grievous betrayal of the fe- male child by her own family who is supposed to love her, provide for her and protect her from any harm.

Women and girls are extremely tired of the empty promises of equality that politicians make to them in their lengthy manifestos before every election. Governments of today or those politicians who are waiting to be elected must make women’s issues in the heart of their executable plans. They must take a conscious lead in banning FGM now or immediately after their election. They have to be seri- ous about drafting very effective powerful children laws/acts that protect children from all forms of harm including FGM. They must have legislations in place as how to implement these laws and pun- ish those who condone and perpetuate the practice be the girl’s family or a doctor. The culture of impunity must stop now. Girls and women must have control over their own lives and bodies.

8th March 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the International Women’s Day. We demand all gov- ernments to sign the international convention on the Eliminating of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) without reservations and making it operative by implementing its princi- ples into all legislations that relate to women.

Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation wishes all girls, women and men every success and prosperity where equality, justice and human rights govern us in all aspects of our everyday life.

Interview with Sawsan Salim Interview with Sawsan Salim, Director of the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women's Organisation, talks about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Iraqi Kurdistan

Al-Nisa: Tell us about the situa- In the street there is no evi- tion regarding the emergence of dence of men showing re- female genital mutilation and its spect to women. In fact, local proliferation there. Can you give and national cultures encourage our readers an idea of what is them to regard women as infe- happening there? rior. All women, regardless of so- Sawsan Salim: Unfortunately, cial class, education and profes- the situation is getting worse in sion are equally subject to insults Iraqi Kurdistan. During my last and sexual harassment. brief visit/ a short time ago to see This takes place despite the my family I conducted many in- growing number of seats for terviews. This gave me the op- women in parliament and increas- portunity to talk about the work ing competition to fill these seats. favourable and disappeared. The of our organisation with Middle There are many campaigns which reappearance of the practice Eastern and Kurdish women. promise to defend the rights of dated back to 1991, and the rise Personally I was struck by the women, but these show no evi- in power of Islamic and tribal range of problems that women in dence of actually improving the movements in the villages. The Kurdistan face today. These prob- lives of women within Iraqi Kurdi- phenomenon has now grown and lems, including murder, self- stan. Whilst women vie for seats spread to the cities, especially in emollition, FGM, forced marriage in parliament, the situation for the regions of Arbeel, Kirkuk and are more numerous than they women within the country is get- Rania. have been previously. Issues of ting steadily worse. After the A survey conducted in 2005 by spinsterness and the hijab stoning of Duaa Khalil, 16 women the German organisation ‘Wadi’, threaten women's personal free- have been killed and reported in 3188 of 3981 women and girls in dom. If they walk in the streets the media. The number of deaths the villages around Arbeel, Kirkuk they are exposed to sexual har- that have gone unrecorded is and Al-Sulimaniya had been sub- assment and hear comments thought to be much higher. jected to FGM. The survey con- which can lead them to withdraw Al-Nisa: Amongst the women cluded that 60-70% of the female into themselves and fear to go who came to the UK from Iraq, population of the villages were out of their homes. These com- there is no evidence of FGM. victims of FGM. Other humanitar- ments, which are prompted sim- However, as you have said previ- ian organisations say that Kurdi- ply by their wish to wear nice ously, female genital mutilation is stan has the second highest num- clothes or show their hair, can currently routinely practiced on ber of FGM cases in the world ruin their reputation and rob young women. How has this outside Africa. them of their confidence and their practice come about and what I heard from one of the women's sense of self-worth. During my are the reasons for doing it? movements in the Halabja area interviews I talked about these Sawsan: FGM was practised in that sometimes the girls' schools issues; the effects on the women the past on the older generations, are closed for the day and a who experience them and their but then the social and economic "circumcision holiday" is an- subsequent treatment by society. situation made the practice less

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 2@ Interview with Sawsan Salim nounced to facilitate the practice Kurdistan. In exiles, if a Kurdish end the violence against women of FGM. man discovers that the young in Kurdistan and the Middle East. As you know, FGM has serious woman he is marrying is uncir- This encompasses all kinds of vio- consequences on the psychologi- cumcised, she will be sent back lence including ‘honour’ killings, cal and physiological wellbeing, to Kurdistan to have the proce- domestic violence and FGM. Even as well as consequences on the dure done to her before he can though our work and campaign- physical health of the victim. accept her as his wife. ing focuses on ending the killing Also, because of the way the The reasons behind the wide- of women, we are not aware of practice is carried out, it can spread of FGM are primarily politi- the true extent of the FGM prob- cause infections and illnesses. cal. After political changes took lem in Iraqi Kurdistan. I have told The women who are subjected to place in Kurdistan, religious pow- the Stop FGM Campaign that we FGM bear the psychological scars ers and tribal culture grew in a will put on the agenda working to of the procedure for the rest of country that is controlled by end FGM. We would like to create their lives. Kurdish nationalist parties that a link between the campaigns In Shorsh Hospital in the town of believe in tribalism. The phe- inside Kurdistan and our work Sulimaniya, 15 circumcision op- nomenon of FGM spread during over here, and we would like to erations have been performed, this time as one facet of a wide raise awareness of the threat of because some women ask the attack on the rights of Kurdish FGM and promote the status of doctors to have the procedure women especially in the period Iraqi Kurdish women amongst after they have given birth, under after 1991. international women's communi- the influence of their husbands. However, those who encourage ties. What is needed is informa- By preventing their wives from this practice and those who im- tion about attempts to send experiencing sexual sensations, plement it can be strictly pun- women to Kurdistan for FGM pro- these husbands exercise control ished if the victim dies as a result cedures, so that we can file court over the relationship. The preva- of the procedure. injunctions against the men who lent view in society is that to ac- Al-Nisa: This is the situation in are responsible for these at- cept food or drink from the hands Kurdistan do you have any plans tempts. of an uncircumcised woman is to work on campaigns to stop the We want to organise workshops dishonourable. practice of FGM in Britain? in the Kurdish and Iraqi commu- This problem is not only confined Sawsan: Essentially, we work in nities about the physiological and only to women and girls within organisations formed abroad to psychological dangers of FGM. It is important that we work closely with the Home Office and the UNHCR to stop the practice of FGM. We will do everything we can to protect any woman or girl who is at risk of FGM. The Ge- neva Convention on the Rights of Women considers FGM to be a form of torture against women. Al-Nisa: How can we stop vio- lence against women in Kurdi- stan? Sawsan: The issue of women in Kurdistan is a political and social issue strongly linked to power, and the type of power in the @ 3@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 Supporting Women

country, for example if the ruling powers are civil or tribal. Women’s organisations and Supporting Women and Girls movements with clear pro- grammes of defending women's By Naana Otoo-Oyortey rights are to be found in Kurdish society. However, it is clear that the situation for women is be- coming worse because Kurdistan is not a country, or even part of a Introduction country and is ruled by militia In the past decade female genital groups, who do not see a link be- mutilation (FGM) has become a tween women's and human growing concern for many coun- rights. The issue of women has tries in Europe. Through migra- become a way of bargaining be- tion from FGM practising coun- tween the Kurdish nationalist par- tries, in particular from Africa and ties and the Islamic parties. the Middle East, this ancient tra- These parties see the question of women as a way to satisfy the dition poses a huge challenge for tribal and religious parties, for host countries and for women example when Mahabad Abdullah and girls living with FGM. FGM was abducted and killed in 1998 creates considerable strong views and after two of her sisters were from those who support the prac- also abducted and one was killed. tice and those who are against it. FGM in the UK Following these crimes there was In the UK where this practice has In the UK FGM has been illegal widespread resentment and an- become a major issue of concern, since 1985 and the amended FGM ger against the Kurds and the women who in their countries of Act of 2003 includes a penalty of government and the accused, Sala Muthali was sentenced to life origin accepted FGM as a valued up to 14 years imprisonment. Ad- imprisonment. However, Jalal Ta- social norm now find themselves ditionally under the Children’s Act labani from the ministry of justice in the minority. Women are often 1989 Local Authorities can apply demanded the punishment be unable to disclose that they live to the Courts for an Order to pre- overturned and the matter settled with FGM, and often fail to access vent a child being taken abroad if according to tribal law. Money services due to their fear of being there is fear of the child being at was offered to the family of the judged or stigmatized. This is risk of FGM. However, estimates victims Mahabad and Joanna and made worse by sensational media of the prevalence of FGM in Eng- the accused was released. reporting of FGM and lack of land and Wales indicates that There must be a civil law, and a justice system committed to im- awareness and sensitivity among 66,000 women are living with plementing that law regardless of key health professionals. FGM and a further 24,000 girls tribal and religious customs. FGM is defined as a range of pro- under 15 years are at risk of FGM We must also support civil social cedures which involve the partial (FORWARD, 2007). The true ex- organisations and work with them or total removal of the female tent of FGM is indeed difficult to to ensure their growth and suc- external genitalia or other injury assess due to the general lack of cess. to the female genital organs for systematic data collection sys- cultural or other non-medical rea- tems. At the same time it is im-

sons (WHO, 2008). There are portant that data on the extent

four types of FGM, ranging from a and trends of FGM in the UK is symbolic prick or cutting of the collated particularly within a clitoris to fairly extensive removal health setting where women are and narrowing of the vagina more likely to seek specialist opening. Global estimates indi- care. cate that annually three million Communities that are at most risk girls in Africa undergo FGM with of FGM in the UK include Ken- over 100 million women and girls yans, Somalis, Sudanese, Sierra

currently living with FGM. Leoneans, Egyptians, Nigerians

and Eritreans. However women and girls from the following coun- @ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 4@ Supporting Women tries could also be affected by FGM: Yemen, Iraq, Indonesia and Pakistan. It is unclear whether FGM is practiced in the UK. How- ever, communities often agree that girls are taken outside the UK for this procedure. Families often come under huge pressure from older relatives in the UK and back home to have their daughters cut. This is be- cause people continue to uphold these strong social norms that govern identity, chastity, mar- riage and to some extent family honour. Because of these reasons education may not always be a in an extra one to two to infant resettling refugees to areas which barrier to stopping the practice. deaths per 100 deliveries. do not have services makes it im- However, with the increase in New community research con- possible to access needed spe- inter-marriages there are severe ducted by FORWARD in London cialist FGM services. challenges for many spouses. and Bristol provided information on how FGM affects women’s Access to specialist services FGM a violation of the right to health, mental health and sexual- and care health ity. Women living with FGM are likely There are many proven physical “Most women see the emotional to come into contact with a num- and mental health risks associ- and psychological effect as the ber of health professionals, in- ated with FGM. The immediate harshest effect on women. As the cluding GPs, health visitors, mid- health complications include se- woman is a victim twice in her wives, sexual health specialists vere pain and shock, infection, lifetime, once from her family and gynaecologists and obstetri- excessive bleeding, urine reten- when they circumcised her, with- cians. However many women tion, hemorrhaging, and even out seeing what she wanted and feel they are unable to disclose death. However, it is the long- without giving her any say. The and share problems with their term health complications which second time she is a victim comes GPs. A lack of understanding of are more likely to be presented from the husband as he does not women's 'situation' or sensitivity by women and girls living with accept their marital life as he to their needs often leads to FGM in the UK. These may in- thinks it is from one side only ‘the women feeling further ostracised clude chronic pain, infection, husband’ as she, i.e. the woman and worsens feelings of cysts and abscesses, problems is like a frozen ice pack, which 'abnormality'. with menstruation. Additionally affects their relationship.” Some of the comments from the other reproductive health compli- “One woman who still experi- community research confirm cations women experience, are ences panic attacks and fear re- these barriers women face: associated with infertility, preg- lated to the experience of being “Sometimes when circumcised nancy and childbirth and sexual circumcised, but yet is not able to women go to the hospital, the dysfunction. speak out about it, as culture pre- nurses call each other to come A large scale study published in vents her seeking help.” see the circumcised woman. 2006 by the World Health Organi- Addressing the mental health This is an unhappy experience zation provided enough evidence needs of women and girls living for many women. The nurses about complications during deliv- with FGM is very patchy in the ask a lot of questions and they ery. This is much higher among UK. It is evident that mental stare.” women with FGM. The study also health issues linked with FGM found that FGM is harmful to ba- may actually be made worse for “There is this woman who has bies of mothers who have under- many refugees, asylum seekers Pharaonic type circumcision. gone the practice and does result and immigrant women and girls. When she went to the hospital, This is because often policies for the trainee doctor who was @ 5@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 Supporting Women

treating her was very surprised There is acknowledgement that types of health services such as when he saw her. He asked her (in London particularly) the situa- mental health services, counsel- if she had an accident and what tion is starting to improve. A ling, or sex therapists. There is a happened to her. She told him number of women are now hav- general lack of awareness of ser- she was circumcised and ex- ing more positive experiences. vices to support emotional and plained everything to him. He Some hospitals or health centres psychological needs, of women. started to cry and she ended up are now known to have knowl- However, women often view ac- feeling sorry for herself. It was edge of FGM. Also some have cessing mental health services as the first time she felt she had a very positive comments about 'not normal', due to fear and so- problem.” health visitors and doctors and cial stigma. There are 15 FGM specialist midwives knowing what to do, health clinics in the UK, 11 of and others perceive that they Conclusion these services are located in Lon- have 'no problems at all' with re- FGM does affect the physical and don alone and provide a range of gard to services. However it is mental health of women and services to women affected by often the barriers and the prob- girls. It is important that those FGM. This includes de-infibulation lems that stay longer with living with FGM access the ser- services for women who have women. One woman mentioned vices they need to enable them to experienced the more severe that: attain a reasonable level of well- form of FGM and require to be Going to the GP people face being. New medical develop- opened up. While these specialist problems finding an interpreter. ments make it possible for services vary in terms of the Sometimes they are asked to women who have undergone the range of services they provide, bring a friend to interpret even more severe forms of FGM to what is increasingly missing is a in private and confidential or have access to reconstructive sur- specialist focus on needs of personal matters. At the GP’s gery in parts of Europe. However, young women. there is an advert that there is where specialist services exist, an interpreter but that is not there is need for better communi- 1. World Health Organisation (WHO), true. cation with FGM practising com- 2008 In comparison to maternity ser- munities, to address barriers to

vices, very few mentioned other services and information. Ulti- mately what is required now is more dialogue and discussion on Naana Otoo-Oyortey is the Executive Director for FORWARD - this subject to support communi- an African Diaspora campaign and support organisation ties to abandon this practice for based in the UK. good. FORWARD works to end FGM and safeguard health, dignity and rights of African women and girls: http:// There is a general lack of awareness of services to support emotional and psychological needs, of women. However, women often view accessing mental health services as 'not normal', due to fear and social stigma

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 66 @

and affects all women who Vaginaplasty and Female Genital must retain the sexual interest and therefore the economic Cutting Exposed support of men in order to se- cure their own and their chil- dren’s well-being. Without economic independence By: Jessica Silverstone With that goes the assumption women will always wherever that a woman or girl who has they are in the world conform Female genital cutting is a cul- been cut will not be sexually to male notions of female tural phenomenon that affects active before marriage, will not beauty and sexual purity re- all societies across the globe. have actively constructed her gardless of the risks in order to In the West, female genital own sexual identity and there- ensure that they can belong to cutting is known as fore the purity of the male a community of authentic vaginaplasty. Like women in blood line and the integrity of women whose lives will not the other parts of the world, a man’s honour and his future only be liveable but perhaps women in the West submit boy-child’s identity is secured. will even be enriched by the themselves to genital surgeries While genital cutting is not car- economic support men. in order to conform to cultural ried out explicitly for these ideals of authentic ‘femininity’ reasons in the West. The in- and the genital aesthetic as- tegrity of a child’s genetic Many women who pired to by many women in identity is also essential to the subject themselves to the West is mirrored by their stability of the family and the vaginaplasty report community in the West and contemporaries in other parts that they did so to of the world. consequently her sexual con- In her analysis of the female duct and identity are subject narrow their vaginal genital cutting among the Mus- to intense scrutiny and regula- passages lim community in Sudan, tion. after childbirth. Dareer argues that female genital cutting is preformed for What is more, the trend hygiene and aesthetic reasons Dareer notes among urbanites and to ensure a woman/girls in Sudan to re-infibulate after marriagability. A woman who the birth of a second or third has not been cut will not be child is increasingly catching considered to be an ‘authentic’ on in the West. Dareer argues woman, she will not have that in Sudan this cultural phe- passed an important rite of nomenon is a product of the passage and consequently she association of a tight orifice will not be marriageable. This with virginity which is consid- is very important in a society ered more pleasurable for the where the only career move male partner. Vaginaplasty in for a woman is marriage and the West is carried out for very motherhood. Genital cutting similar reasons and many carries with it a promise of women who subject them- sexual purity and also a guar- selves to vaginaplasty report antee of a family’s commit- that they did so to narrow ment to their daughter’s subju- their vaginal passages after gation into her ‘proper’ gender childbirth. role. The phenomenon of female genital cutting then is global @ 7@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 Interview Surma Hamid "Throughout my childhood and teenage years I thought that girls are dirty creatures and that is the reason why girls have FGM"

Interview with FGM survivors Surma Hamid

keep you in bed or sitting naked Al-Nisa: Can you please tell us most of the time, but it did not about yourself? worked it was getting worse and My name is Surma Hamid, I came worse; that is why it took me from North Iraq and I was actively nearly a month for my wound to involved in women’s rights issues heal. Women have no sex desire since 1994. I fled Iraq in 1998 and because of this cutting. It is very continued my activism in hard to for women to have an or- women’s rights since then. I have gasm, and this can cause psy- launched many awareness rais- chological problems too. Some ing campaigns in support of Iraqi women come to hate having sex. women, such as the campaign Now whenever I remember the against FGM, ‘honour’ killing and operation I feel so sad and angry domestic violence. Currently, I am that part of my body was being working with Eaves Women’s Aid, taken away just because I am a you and take the most important where I offer help and support to woman. It is an extreme form of part of your body and you have women who flee domestic vio- discrimination against women. I no control over your body at all. lence. feel I have been mutilated for the You are hopeless you scream rest of my life. and scream and nobody can save Al-Nisa: At what age did you you. I still have these nightmares experience FGM? What’s it Al-Nisa: What was your child- of old women coming and mutilat- like? Do you remember what hood like after your FGM? Do ing me. happened on that day? Is it a you think your childhood I think if I did not have the FGM I positive experience and why? would have been different and would live like any normal girl that I was six or seven years old. I still in what way? doesn’t feel shy to be naked in remember being taken for a bath First I felt ashamed because all front of other girls, I won’t be hav- and two women came in and cut the neighbourhood’s children ing nightmares and I would be me twice with a razor without any were making fun of me. I remem- free and adventurous just like be- Anaesthetics. One of them was bered I did not go outside for fore I had FGM. my mother. I cried, but my sister quite a while. Throughout my put her hand over my mouth. For childhood and teenage years I Al-Nisa: Why do you think weeks, I was in pain and bleed- thought that girls are dirty crea- your family chose to put you ing. My Family said they would tures and that is the reason why through that experience? Was give me a toy if I stopped crying. girls have FGM, to make them it because of tradition or relig- But they never gave me anything. become good. And I also thought ion? The practice is mostly carried out that we are born just to please This practice is widely common in by traditional circumcisers. FGM men’s sexual pleasures, because Iraq. My family put me through this has no health benefits, and it there is a saying that Muslim men experience because of both tradi- harms girls and women in many will not marry women who have tion and religion. The causes of fe- ways. It involves removing and not had Female genital mutilation. male genital mutilation include a damaging healthy and normal The most important one is after mixture of culture and religion. FGM female genital tissues, and inter- you had Female genital mutilation is believed to reduce a woman's li- feres with the natural functions of psychological and emotionally bido and help her resist "illicit" sex- girls' and women's bodies. I had you will never be the same again, ual acts. This is definitely provides a urinary infection they washed my suddenly you feel you grow up so justification for men to marry four wound with my urine for disinfec- much and your body does not women at the same time. Practicing tion, for a week and there was no belong to you any more, it be- acts and ideology of religion soon treatment for that they would longs to others, they can mutilate become tradition in the society. If @ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 8@ Interview Surma Hamid you look back to the history of Iraqi was your experience like when pendent Women’s Organisation Kurdistan where I came from FGM having a child? inside Iraq. I participated in many was practiced before Islam, but then I still feel strong anger inside me campaigns since then to raise Islam did not condemned it, but in- when I think about what I have awareness about FGM, I have stead supported it and soon practic- been through by having FGM. attended schools’ and universi- ing FGM becomes a tradition. Until Sometimes it makes me cry. The ties’ seminars. I have given now there is no law to condemned most painful thing is because you speeches in many local commu- practising FGM in Iraq. had FGM and you cannot reach nity centres in different lan- orgasm like any normal human guages. I have written many arti- Al-Nisa: As an activist: What being. This is a constant emo- cled including a Book Called (The was your involvement in Kurdi- tional and psychological pain that Moon Rise after Sunset) that I stan? Why do you think you lives with me for the rest of my have written about my experience were involved in women’s is- life. Having FGM is causing many of having FGM. sues in Kurdistan? Is it be- complications in pregnancy and Al-Nisa: Do you have anything cause of your FGM experi- child birth, it was very painful par- to say to a woman who is think- ence? ticularly during giving birth to my ing of circumcising her daugh- My involvement with women and son, it was like a whole of your ter? Or a daughter who has just women’s rights activities was due body ripping all over again and experienced FGM? to the frequency and brutality of again. Now I am terrified of hav- I would say do not mutilate your ‘honour’ killings, mutilation and ing another child because of that. daughter for cultural sake. Culture house imprisonment of women, Al-Nisa: When you came to the is not a stone it cannot be moved, which have increased after the UK what did you do and with we can change culture that con- uprising of 1991, and during civil which organisations in terms of demn human property. One rea- war between 1994 and 1998. My raising awareness about FGM? son for the persistence of FGM is family had experienced an I joined Independent Women’s that women and girls are widely ‘honour’ killing in 1989. Also I was Organisation in Iraq in 1994. And regarded as objects and property 11 when my father died in a car I both nationally and internation- that their male relatives possess. accident. In accordance to Islamic ally organised many campaigns Raising the awareness inside the tradition, my uncles took control against female genital mutilation. communities and especially of our family because my brothers We stopped many parents of do- among the women themselves is were too young to take the fam- ing FGM to their daughters. Our crucial to end female genital muti- ily’s responsibility. When I was campaigns were based on raising lation. Laws must be enacted 14 years old I was forced to ac- awareness about the impact of against female genital mutilation cept an arrange marriage. All of FGM on women and children in and the guilty must be prosecuted these reasons made me to join the communities. When I went and punished. the women’s rights activism. outside Iraq I was actively work- Al-Nisa: Why do you think the ing with Committee in Defence of Al-Nisa: As a circumcised Iraqi government is not making Women’s Rights in Iraq. This is woman how do you feel is FGM a crime to stop it? the sister organisation to Inde- missing from your life? What The Iraqi family law in Iraq based on shariah law. It gives men per- mission to kill their wives, daugh- ter, and sisters. It is not in the benefit of the ruling party to change the law as these two par- ties rule and system based on male chauvinism and reactionary traditions. The immediate alterna- tive is to separate religion from the state and replace with secular law that women would be treated as human beings not as second class citizens. By having a restrict law and with educational aware- ness FGM can be eradicated.

@ 9@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 Interview with Waris Dirie

Al-Nisa: Given the fact that FGM as an issue is growing in Kurdistan are you "Mama tied a blindfold over willing to campaign against it in Kurdi- my eyes. The next thing I felt stan or the UK? my flesh was being cut I have been and always will campaign against FGM on both national and inter- away. I heard the blade national level. Women who experienced sawing back and forth FGM need to speak out, and break the through my skin. " silence that culture and religion impose Waris Dirie on them. This act of brutality needs to end. Interview with Waris Dirie

Al-Nisa: What help, advice or practical since support should the NHS or women's Waris Dirie was born in Somalia. 1997 can you take us organisations; such as FORWARD, She fled Somalia to escape an ar- through your journey until ranged marriage when she was 13 give to circumcised/cut women who now? What are the suc- years old and came to live in Lon- are pregnant or who want to have chil- cesses? Were there chal- dren, but scared or traumatised by the don. She worked as a model. She lenges? thought of being cut again? wrote 5 books and one of her books As I described it in one of my previous ‘The Desert Flower’ has been pro- Waris: This journey is de- points, women who had FGM are more duced as a film to be shown in the scribed in my books and likely to experience significant tearing and cinemas all over the world soon. would take up far more space bleeding after labour and even the death She appeared on some films. She that this interview provides for. of their babies. These problems can be worked hard before she became a overcome by Caesarean delivery. How- model. She was the UNFPA’s spe- ever, women who had FGM can have cial ambassador and spokesperson But my successes are that surgery called Clitoralplasty" or "female on FGM between 1997 and 2003. FGM has now been abolished circumcision reversals". It is a pioneering She currently lives in Austria and in many countries, many surgical technique which helps re- run Waris Dirie Foundation. E- NGOs and politicians now talk construct female genitalia. Hundreds of Mail: [email protected] about this crime, campaign women done it until now, it takes place in against it and educate people. France and America. It is a relatively new Al-Nisa: You left your mod- The challenge is to educate illiterate people and to change procedure, it reshapes the anatomy and, eling career to campaign in 80 percent of patients, restores pleas- the minds of ignorant people. against FGM, why? urable sensation and victims say the ther- Waris: Shortly after this horrible Al-Nisa: Why do you think apy has improved their physical and men- crime was done to me as a little FGM is widely spread in Af- tal well-being too. I was called last year girl, I knew that this was wrong rica and some parts of the to do this surgery in France for free, un- and that I would one day fight fortunately because of some personal Arab world? against this practice. I just did not Waris: FGM is spread all over issues during that time I could not go and know when, where and how. One have the surgery done. According to sta- the world and has been prac- day, I just decided to talk about it ticed even in the US and tistics a lot of women could not do this because I felt strong enough. surgery because of the cost involved. It is Europe in the 1920s to “cure” very expensive for women to do the sur- Al-Nisa: You have become girls from hysteria or lesbian gery as private patients. My advice for an activist against FGM behaviour. Millions of women women’s organisations is to put pressure on the NHS to introduce this surgery and make it available under the NHS expense or contribute towards some of the cost and to recognise FGM as a factor in causing some health problems to some women in the UK. Every woman who had FGM should be given the right to access the Clitoralplasty surgery for free and en- courage women to come forward for this surgery.

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 10@ Interview with Waris Dirie became victims. Today, it is the parents, so that they can in- these surgeries have told me, that spread mainly in Africa, Arab terfere and protect the children. there are great successes, and countries, Asia and in the immi- This way, many girls have been that these women can develop grant communities in Europe and saved from mutilation. normal sexual feelings after the North America. But even indigi- surgery. I myself do not support nous tribes in the jungle of South Al-Nisa: What kind of support these kinds of surgeries because America perform FGM. FGM is do you offer girls or young I think a surgery cannot heal the still a problem, because it is a women who experienced FGM? psychological trauma of undergo- means to supress women. Geni- Waris: We are talking about 150 ing FGM. tally mutilated girls always be- million victims here. The only way come victims of forced marriages, to help them is to make their Al-Nisa: What's the main mes- cannot go to school, and are sup- problem known, so that they can sage of your books/film? posed to be slaves to men. This talk about it and get medical help. Waris: The main message has to be changed. Empower Unfortunately, many doctors still is RESPECT AND LOVE. My women, and this crime will stop! do not know how to help these books deal with human dignity. girls while preserving their dignity. Al-Nisa: What are your future Al-Nisa: How do you describe This is scandalous. plans for your campaign on your exile experience? Do you FGM or for women's issues in think campaigning about FGM Al-Nisa: What advice would general? from Western countries easier you have given to a woman Waris: In 2010, I will start pro- who is thinking of circumcising than when you campaign in- jects in Africa to provide women side your own country? her daughter? who are affected by domestic vio- Waris: My goal is to tell the world Waris: I would tell the mother lence with free access to the legal about this crime. I receive many that her child is perfect the way it system. I will also start a big agri- emails, also from Africa, since the is, and that there is no reason to cultural project in Africa, working internet is now widely spread. A change this. with women who will be paid lot of young people, who have fairly. Without the empowerment Al-Nisa: What advice do you access to the internet through of women, who are the backbone internet cafés write to me. African give to a young woman/girl of Africa, this continent will never women will not stay silent on this who has just experienced heal. crime for much longer. This, I can FGM? guarantee. Waris: I often receive emails from girls have experienced FGM or Al-Nisa: What kind of support are threatened by FGM. The most do you offer girls or young important goal must be to con- women whom inform you their vince these women, not to con- families are going to take them tinue this practice and to break abroad do the operation to this circle of passing on FGM to them? the next generation. In France, in Waris: In such as case, we the US, and in some African contact the social services of the states, surgeries to rebuild the country in question without telling vagina and even the clitoris are performed. Doctors who perform To make donations visit: www.waris-dirie-foundation.com

Every 10 seconds a girl becomes a victim to FGM. They suffer for the rest of their lives from physical and psychological pain, many of them die.

@ 11@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 Interviews with Sudanese women

Interviews with Sudanese women about FGM in Sudan:

By Wahab Himmat [email protected] Women's struggle for equality from any kind of deformation and human rights is as old as life or direct violations to their itself. Across historiography rights. The government that does women fought unwinnable bat- not put a clear law against FGM tles; that some were honestly re- undoubtedly violates the chil- ported and the rest were simply dren ’ s rights as far as the inter- ignored and veiled. national law dictates. The severe type of circumcision, We tried through questioning the ‘ pharaonic ’ ; which was some women on their thoughts on taken from the Egyptian word what was proposed and then op- ‘ p haros ’ ; which means kings/ posed by the Sudanese govern- queens, stands as a witness of ment in regards to the child pro- how some people could play a tection Act. We asked about if role in imposing a custody over they think culture or religion is women and their rights, at the behind the spread of FGM. What play. same time it also showed there are they going to do about the Young people have the opportu- were people who stood with them enlightenment of the women who nity to exploit media platforms and supported them in their just still perform FGM? What do they and enlightened religious leaders issues. think of the removal of Article 13; can organise campaigns to raise circumcision is actually a massa- which states prosecuting FGM awareness within the curriculum cre against women and girls, that perpetrators? As received from at different stages. However, the might appear small, its little de- them, here are their answers: biggest role in raising awareness tails might start in early age, Hiba: is played by those inside the fam- a stubborn start for some, but its One of the main reasons why fe- ily. Above all, mothers and sisters mental and health effects hit a girl male genital mutilation still exists must be made aware of the dan- whatever her age and it continues is because of its link to chastity gerous and destructive conse- throughout her life, for others they and peoples' religious beliefs. quences of FGM. were circumcised after their mar- The state has the important re- FGM is a form of oppression riage. sponsibility of raising awareness veiled by safety and fear, be- The human development in some amongst future generations cause it launches a physical and areas does not include this part in through the departments of mental assault on the rights of the elites' thoughts. The most im- health, media, and culture and girls and young women under un- portant thing is that the practice social organisations. founded and crude claims. doesn't connect to any religion, Students also have an important but still continued and the danger role to play in putting pressure on Suad: is that it extended to new areas these organisations to enforce It is believed that one of the rea- such as Kurdistan. laws put in place to deter this sons for the persistence of the There are countries that stopped cruel practice even if they are practice of FGM is its connection this massacre with a piece of leg- mothers, doctors and midwives. with chastity in the minds of peo- islation where punishments are in If religious leaders are made to ple, because there is no religious place for perpetrators whether a understand the full extent of the justification for the practice. In- man or woman, because on the crime which is carried out in the deed, FGM is not mentioned in state's shoulders fall the protec- name of chastity and purity, they any Islamic verse or text, and at tions of the children responsibility also have an important role to the time of the birth of Islam, the

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 12@ Interviews with Sudanese women practice was not carried out in the were considered to be innately region. good, and women innately evil, We must establish what is and FGM was used as a way to needed to end these violations of keep women chaste and prevent women's rights and to educate infidelity. women about the consequences I agree completely with the ne- of FGM. However, nothing can cessity of bringing to justice all happen unless the state is willing those who aid or carry out the to play a decisive role in the fight. practice of FGM including fami- It is clear that if the state does not lies, doctors and relatives. And I take a clear stance on FGM it will am part of the Committee on the be extremely difficult to eliminate Elimination of All Forms of Dis- this practice. crimination against Women One of the most effective ways to (CEDAW) end FGM is to educate young Sadly the practice of FGM contin- girls about their right to refuse ues in several states because of FGM. Parents also need to be a total ignorance and lack of It is a cruel and violent practice better informed about the prac- awareness in society, for example carried out on young girls and tice, and religious leaders can be amongst religious leaders who women. However knowledge of highly influential in counter-acting adhere to existing judgements on the violence of the practice is not the negative views of those who the matter. widespread in the communities in refuse to be circumcised. Young men and women must which it is carried out, such as People involved in the practice of work to educate people about Sudan where FGM is performed FGM must face harsh punish- FGM through seminars, radio pro- before the onset of puberty, on ments, especially doctors or par- grammes and the inclusion of the girls between the ages of three ents. Parents are ultimately re- subject in school curricula. and seven. sponsible for the health and well- Midwives also play a big role in What helps this custom continue being of their child, and doctors the issue of FGM because they and spread is false beliefs and have a professional and ethical are highly aware of the practice motives in societies which see obligation to prevent the practice and routinely witness the risks of this practice as a way to protect of FGM, as does the state. the practice during childbirth and young girls from perversion and By fighting against infibulation, or in the urology wards. as a guarantee of good morals Pharaohnic circumcision ( the If we want to educate women and chastity, and as a way to practice of partially closing the about the practice we can start by complete their so-called purifica- entrance of the vagina) states proving to them that none of the tion. could save themselves millions of revealed religions call for or en- Zeinab: pounds spent treating women suf- courage the practice of FGM be- FGM is illegal and can be tried fering from urinary fistula cause it is a flagrant violation of under the categories of physical ( t issue damage resulting in in- women's rights. abuse, indecent assault and continence) and other complica- Fatima: medical practice without a li- tions, as well as the thousands of FGM is usually the result of inher- cense. women who die every year as a ited social tradition influenced by I support Article 13 which allows result of complications of circum- deep-rooted culture found in Afri- for criminalization of the practice cision. can countries and regions. The and I see it as a representative Amina: practice is ancient and originated deterrent to stop the practice of Pharaonic circumcision, as the in Central Africa, bearing no rela- FGM. I call on women in these name suggests, is thought to tions to religions such as Islam or countries to eradicate this harmful originate from the time of phar- Christianity, or indeed to the practice and its devastating con- aohs in Egypt. At this time men Pharaonic era. sequences on the girls of today @ 13@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 UK Policies

and the women of the future. I Policies & Changes in the Law also want to note that is women who ultimately pay the In your time of need: Finding the right job can give you a price of the procedure in their By Debbie Boote, Lone sense of pride, you will meet new health and feel the effects on Parent Advisre, JCP people, you will be valued and you their physical and mental will have a better income. growth. Domestic Violence touches on We can do calculations to show you I propose that in order to raise every aspect of your life. the benefits you will get each week awareness of the dangers of It changes how you see yourself once working. FGM an article on the subject and can destroy your confidence. I have worked for Jobcentre Plus for is included in the school cur- If you have suffered from Domestic 9 years and returned to work as a riculum to educate students Violence and are rebuilding your life Lone Parent following the break up about the dangers of and it is a time when you need as much of an abusive, violent relationship. damage caused by FGM. support as possible. My job, my colleagues and support- We can also educate people You are getting support from the ing others who are also bringing up through the media, using ra- DVIP and KMEWO but it might be a children by themselves has been so dio and television pro- time when you are ready to build on rewarding and pleasurable. Job- grammes and other media your options in work and training. If centre Plus, like many organisa- outlets such as newspapers you have children, are unemployed tions, gives me the flexibility to work and magazines. and are not with a partner then you around my childcare commitments We must enact laws which should be receiving Income Sup- and I can adjust between full time punish those who carry out port. You can get support from a and part time hours. FGM. New Deal Lone Parent Adviser in You may be aware that there are Young girls today are the your local area. Jobcentre Plus work changes to Income Support. Income women of the future and my very closely with local Schools & Support used to be paid to parents message to them is that pro- Children Centres and you may be until their youngest child turned 16 moting awareness has to hap- able to meet your Adviser there. We years old. This has been reduced to pen in every feminine environ- can give you advice regarding bene- 10 years old and from October 2010 ment; in homes and schools, fit entitlement, benefits you are enti- will come down to 7 years old. Par- at weddings and funerals and tled to if you return to work but also ents will then be moved onto Job over cups of tea or coffee. we can support you in building on Seekers Allowance and will need to My last message is to men, your self-confidence and motivation look for suitable work. This is a posi- who play a very negative role by identifying your skills and build- tive change to help you towards em- at the moment in the issue of ing on your skills through training ployment & an increased income FGM because they don't pre- opportunities. Many local courses but get the support and training vent their wives from circum- are taken up by other Mums in simi- available to help you move into the cising their daughters. They lar circumstances. We are here to career you have always wanted. must stand up and play a assist you towards becoming finan- Make the change work for you. positive role to help end the cially secure and increasing your Domestic Violence effects 1 in 5 practice of FGM. families income but it is even more women. It is an experience that can I for my part stand strongly in important to learn to value yourself have a massive impact on your life support of article 13 and de- but do not let it take over your life. and your abilities. mand that the government There are many benefits available Contact your local Jobcentre and ask for and Sudanese Minister of to Lone parents in and out of em- an appointment with your New Deal Health Dr. Thabita Boutrus Lone Parent Adviser. ployment and it is a daunting sys- uphold this article in working tem. Get support and advice from to protect the rights of women. your Lone Parent Adviser who can Go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk to find out talk you through and make sure you where your nearest office is. are getting what you are entitled to.

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 14@

'Honour' Killings in the UK: Green from Unal ’ s house on 6 How many more? January 1999. Her father tied her up from her hands and feet with a The case of Tulay washing line in her bedroom up- stairs to prevent her from running Goren of London away again. On 7 January after breakfast Mr Honour Killing Case in Woodford Goren asked his wife Hanim to Green, North London Tulay take the children and leave him Goren was 15 when she fell in with Tulay because he wants to love with a man 15 years older speak with her, but he instructed than her. Halil Unal Tulay met Mr his 8 year old son to kiss Tulay Halil Unal, who was a supervisor and said “ t his will be the last at Techron Trading clothing fac- time you see each other. ” Mrs Goren took the children and went tory, in Feltstead Street, Hackney then moved, but her remains out of the house. in 1998 while she was on a sum- have never been recovered. Tulay disappeared and was mer job there. Her mother, During the trial at the Old Bailey feared murdered by her father on Hanim, works there too. Mr Unal Hanim Goren said to her husband that same day the 7 January then started collecting Tulay from Mehmet Goren “ Look at my 1999. In February her mother the school she attended. face. What did you do to Tulay? ” said untrue things to the police Tulay ’ s father, Mehmet Goren, She also said that after Tulay ’ s because her husband warned her an ethnic Kurd, who follows the disappearance Mr Goren told his that he will blame her and her Elevi brach of Islam, disapproved wife not to mention their daugh- family for Tulay ’ s disappear- of the relationship due to religious ter ’ s name and photos of Tulay, ance. In March she was arrested differences, because Mr Unal is a her Turkish identity card and birth for perverting the course of justice Sunni Muslim, and the fact that certificate were torn up. and murder, but was released he was much older than her. On 17 December 09, a decade without charge and she asked to Mehmet Goren went to the fac- after Tulay’ s disappearance, her speak to the police again one tory and confronted Halil about father was charged with her mur- month later. picking up his daughter, Tulay, der and has been jailed for a When arrested on suspicion of from the school. Then he grabbed minimum of 22 years after being murder on 23 March 1999, along him around the collar and slapped found guilty of murdering her in a with her husband, Tulay's mother, him with his hand. However, Tu- so-called "honour killing" or Hanim, retracted a statement she lay insisted in seeing and phoning ‘ namus ’. Halil on several occasions. All had initially given saying Tulay these incidents made Mr Goren to had run away and told police she badly beat Tulay up. After that believed Mehmet had Tulay ran away from home and "disappeared"/ “ swallowed ” began living with her boyfriend in their daughter. A year later, police Hackney. felt they had enough evidence to Some representatives of Mr Unal charge him, but the Crown Prose- came to the Goren family and cution Service said it could not suggested that they should get rule out the possibility that the 15- married. But Hackney Town Hall year-old was alive somewhere, so refused to conduct the marriage, a decision was taken not to go because Tulay was only 15 and ahead. legally too young. Police believe Tulay's body was Tulay ’ s parents brought her to buried temporarily in the back the family home in Woodford garden of the family home, and

@ 15@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010

Poem Three Feminine But a new life endangers my life. Female Genital Sorrows: A baby ’ s birth is death and

Mutilation And if I may speak of my wed- destruction for me! by: ding night: It is what my grandmother Abdi-Noor Haji Mohamed I had expected caresses. called the three feminine sor- Sweet kisses. Hugging and rows. Stop Female Genital mutilation. love. She said the day of circumci- sion; the wedding night and the Stop FGM Please. Stop it now No. Never. Awaiting me was pain. Suffer- birth of a baby are the triple Legs pulled apart ing and sadness. feminine sorrows. Knife went straight I lay in my wedding bed, groan- As the birth bursts, I cry for help, when the battered flesh Into my private parts ing like a wounded animal, a victim of feminine pain tears. It cut across painfully No mercy. Push! They say. It is At dawn, ridicule awaited me. only feminine pain! Cruel hands stitched me My mother announced: Yes And now I appeal: I appeal for Infibulated me ruthlessly she is a virgin. When fear gets hold of me. love lost, for dearms broken, Blood drained in the summer heat When anger seizes my body. for the right to live as a whole human being. Disappeared into the waiting sand When hate becomes my com- panion, then I get feminine ad- I appeal to all peace loving Leaving me potentially impaired vice, because it is only femi- people to protect, to support Denying me to be a total woman nine pain and give a hand to innocent And I am told feminine pain little girls who do not do harm. perishes like all feminine Obedient to their parents and things. elders, all they know is only The journey continues. Or the smiles. struggle continues. Initiate them to the world of As modern historians say, as love, not the world of feminine the good tie of marriage ma- sorrows tures. Poem by a woman of courage As I submit and sorrow sub- in Somalia sides, my belly becomes like a ( H er name has been withheld balloon. to protect her anonymity )

A glimpse of happiness shows, From Momoh, Comfort a hope. A new baby. A new lif!

@ Al-Nisa Issue 14 March 2010 16@

For Honour and Love’ London Launch

Friday 26 March 2010 3pm – 6pm

Amnesty International UK The Human Rights Action Centre 17-25 New Inn Yard London EC2A 3EA Please email completed booking form to [email protected] or post to KMEWO, Caxton House, 129 St John’s Way, Islington, London N19 3RQ

For further information please phone Jess on 020 7263 1027