Rural village in Ethiopia vows to stop female genital mutilation

April 12, 2011
International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Carla Mackenzie

A rural village in southern Ethiopia, Africa, has vowed to try and end the practice of female genital mutilation.

While it is a tradition in the village of Senbata Lencho, people are beginning to realise the long-term impact female genital mutilation can have, reports Radio Netherlands Worldwide in Africa.

Local woman Radia Ledamo told the news provider: "We, the mothers, have taught our children these hurtful habits."

"It is now our duty to prevent them from doing it and inform them of its consequences," she added.

Berhanu Tufa, director of the African Development Aid Association, said the key to eradicating female genital mutilation was getting religious leaders involved.

He said the leaders are "more influential" than any other method. When the association got them on board and they told people that female circumcision is not stated in any religious text, people were more willing to consider halting the practice.

Recently, the Kenyan parliament said it was set to debate a proposed Bill outlawing female genital mutilation in the African country.