On the Subject of FGM

UPDATE: A few days back I picked up an English version of an Egypt newspaper when I ventured out early one morning for breakfast. I was surprised and pleased to find an article (albeit short) indicating that a new law is in the works to implement support for the ban on female circumcision that would imprison those convicted of performing the procedure for 3 months, in addition to making them pay a 5,000 Egyptian Pound fine - and trust me, while an Egytpian Pound might not convert to much in other currencies, to the average Egyptian it is an enormous amount of money. One step at a time...one step at a time... Assalamu Alaikum. Insha'Allah this message finds you in the best of health and imaan. Ameen. I've noticed a lot of information circulating recently about Female Genital Mutilation, much of it being rather outdated, so I thought I would share with you a site that keeps the information up-to-date for those following the progress of the campaign(s) against this barbaric practice. It is important in our discussions to circulate the most viable and up-to-date material as the subject is evolving constantly, and we should not undermine the progress being made by rehashing headlines that have already been dealt with; we should, instead, focus our energies on the current efforts being promoted across the globe, insha'Allah, and join in support of those efforts. If you are interested in making a difference on a personal level, please take note of the FGM Network's Volunteer Link: http://www.fgmnetwork.org/volunteers/index.html. Forwarding an email is easy...but joining the effort to promote real change with our time, energy and resources by volunteering is a step towards making a real difference...one person at a time. Ma'Salaama, ~Aishah --------------------------- UPDATE: FEATURE-Egypt death sparks debate on female circumcision 19 Aug 2007 23:04:31 GMT Source: Reuters By Cynthia Johnston MAGHAGHA, Egypt, Aug 20 (Reuters) - It was a routine procedure undertaken by thousands of Egyptian girls every year, but something went wrong and Budour Ahmed Shaker died while having her genitals cut in a rite known locally as "purification". The death of the 11-year-old schoolgirl at a private clinic in the Egyptian village Mughagha in June prompted the government to outlaw the custom of female genital mutilation, which is so widespread in Egypt that 95 percent of the country's women are estimated to have undergone the procedure. (more here...) Visit the FGM Network here: http://www.fgmnetwork.org/index.php Recent Headlines: http://www.fgmnetwork.org/news.php Islamic countries call for end to female genital mutilation, child marriage BIRMINGHAM, UK - Outcry over violated girls BENIN: Edo Police arrest three over female circumcision KENYA: Teachers who take time off to get 'cut' KENYA: UN Honours Kenyan Woman for Fight Against 'Cut', Early Marriages SENEGAL: Tostan tackles traditions MALI: In Mali Women Debate Circumcision Uganda told to ban harmful traditions