SENEGAL-HeALTH / Sédhiou: local players and members of the security forces learn about female genital mutilation

Since Thursday morning, journalists, influencers and members of the defense and security forces have been taking part in an orientation session in Sédhiou on the handling of sensitive information relating to female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriage.

Organized at the initiative of the Réseau des jeunes pour la promotion de l'abandon des mutilations génitales féminines (Youth Network for the Promotion of the Abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation), this session aims to reduce the practice of FGM and child marriage, in this southern region of the country.

"It's crucial to raise awareness among community players of the dangers of these practices, while the defense and security forces play an essential role in ensuring the security of the areas concerned.the security of border areas", explained Maria Dasylva, program manager for the network's executive secretariat.

She believes that "it is necessary to have a functional mechanism that will involve media players, influencers and the defense and security forces in awareness-raising, but also in prevention and the care of FGM victims".

The Sédhiou region records an alarming 75.6% rate of FGM and 47% for child marriages, Ms. Dasylva recalled, citing the latest 2019 Demographic and Continuing Health Survey (EDSC).

Mamadou Diop, coordinator of Sédhiou's adolescent counseling center (CCA), explains that the entrenchment of female genital mutilation and early marriage in society is often linked to religious and cultural beliefs.

"These practices are of a cultural and religious nature for the community, which is why awareness-raising must focus on the dangers these practices represent for women's lives," he added. He praised the collaboration of the Sédhiou commune in this difficult task.

He pointed out that dealing with cases of FGM requires concerted action by all players, "and awareness-raising remains an essential tool for protecting the women and girls of Sédhiou", argued the coordinator of the Sédhiou CCA.

Saydou Tamba Cissé, coordinator of the Sédhiou section of the Convention des jeunes reporters, praised the involvement of media players in this meeting to share and reflect on violence against women and girls, particularly female genital mutilation.

According to him, "the involvement of media players will make a considerable contribution to this process of handling sensitive information on excision and early marriages in Sédhiou".

"Journalists are invited to act responsibly and professionally in handling information on these sensitive practices for the community, especially in Sédhiou", said Mr. Cissé.

Opened on Wednesday, this training session on female genital mutilation and early marriage ends on Thursday.

Source: aps.sn/