ABENA
ADE
lets stop fgm
WE CAN DO IT !!
with
This is a child friendly adaptation of the Joint General Comment on Female Genital Mutilation Original Author: ACERWC (African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child) AND ACHPR (African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights)
“And We are Back Again!!!”
Hey Ade, remember when we talked about stopping the not-so-nice thing called Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Yeah, that was a tough one, Abena. Are there rules to make sure no one gets hurt?
Absolutely! Our awesome guide called the “General comment on FGM” has some cool rules, and they’re like principles for protecting girls and making sure they’re treated just right!
Wow, superheroes for real-life problems! What are these rules?
Okay, first up is the “Best Interests of the Child” rule. It means every decision should be about what’s best for the child, no matter what. So, if something hurts a girl, it’s a big no-no!
Got it! What’s the next rule?
It’s the “No Discrimination” rule.Girls shouldn’t be treated differently just because they’re girls. FGM is bad that way, It puts some girls more at risk. But our awesome plan says everyone should be treated the same!
That’s fair! What’s next on
our list?
Next is the “Life, Survival, and Development” rule. This means everything we do should help girls survive and grow happy and strong. FGM can really hurt them, so we need to stop it to keep them safe and happy!
Wo, that is a good plan! Any
more awesome rules?
Yep, the “Child Participation” rule! It’s all about letting kids have a say in things. If a girl can talk about what’s happening to her, we should listen and help her. It’s like giving her a voice!
That’s awesome! But are there any more power-ups?
Yep, the “Child Participation” rule! It’s all about letting kids have a say in things. If a girl can talk about what’s happening to her, we should listen and help her. It’s like giving her a voice!
Have you noted down all the superheroes principles from the Joint General Comment that want to stop Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Yeah of course Abena, We
have the best interest of
the child, no discrimination,
survival and development,
and child participation,
right?
Exactly Ade! Now, let’s see how these principles connect with both children’s and women’s rights. First you need to know that FGM affects girls at all ages, and it’s practiced when they’re still children in many places
Oh no, that is really scary and
not fair at all.
Got it. And what about women’s rights?
So, it’s not just about FGM; it’s about changing the way people think about girls and women?
Exactly Ade! Now, let’s see how these principles connect with both children’s and women’s rights. First you need to know that FGM affects girls at all ages, and it’s practiced when they’re still children in many places
Great question! FGM is tied to gender inequality, which means treating boys and girls differently. So, our awesome guide is also calling for women’s equal rights and dignity. It’s not just about stopping the practice but breaking down a whole system of gender inequality.
You nailed it! The principles want to make sure that every girl and woman deserves equal rights, dignity, and the freedom to make decisions about her own body.
That’s really important. What
else is there in the general
comment guide?
There’s also a big team effort at the African Union and the UN. They’ve got initiatives and plans like the Saleema Initiative and the Ouagadougou Call to Action, all aimed at eliminating FGM. It’s like a cool superhero fighting against this harmful practice!
Wow, so everyone’s working together to protect girls and women?
Wow, so everyone’s working together to protect girls and women?
Oh that is great…what about our
countries? Do they have to do anything
to make sure that girls and women are
protected from FGM?
Yes ofcourse, Here are some of
our countries responsibilities in
helping to stop FGM.
Countries must make specific laws against FGM, saying it’s not allowed. These laws should be clear and punish those who do it. They also need to make sure these laws are more powerful than any cultural or religious reasons people might give for doing FGM.
Laws should be clear about
who is guilty and who is not.
Yes, People who do FGM should be punished, but those who are forced to go through it should not be punished. The laws should also allow everyone to take legal action against those who do FGM.
Countries should also keep checking if what they’re doing is working. They need to collect information regularly to see if they’re making progress.
Yes, so In simple words, countries need
to make strong laws against FGM, help
those affected, and also teach people
why it’s bad. They should keep
checking if these efforts are work
That’s awesome! So, what can we
do to be part of this superhero
team?
We can spread the word, support
these initiatives, and make sure
everyone knows that every girl is
a superhero deserving of respect
and equality!
Count me in! Let’s be superhero allies for every girl out there!