There is often a thin line between imposing one’s ideals on a society and promoting universally accepted norms. Harmful traditional practices have been recognized as by the international community as a violation of basic human rights, yet there is no clear definition of what constitutes a harmful practice. Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a widely practiced ritual in many parts of the world. Liberia is no exception.
Annually, hundreds of girls go through an initiation process that is meant to introduce them to womanhood and teach them about being a mother and a wife. Many are pulled out of regular school to attend these bush education courses. Moreover, the leaders of these practices are influential within the community and often can modify political direction and attitudes. As such, the President of Liberia during her 2005 campaign withdrew the issue of Female Genital Mutilation. As of today, the Government of Liberia has not made these practices illegal and thus, there exists no legal framework to refer to when they occur. The victims have no recourse and there are reports of coercion of those who do not wish to participate in the ritual. The fees of this type of education are also quite dear. The leaders again are to receive payment in cash or kind from the families whose daughters are to attend bush schools.
How does one approach such a sensitive issue? Targeting community elders and raising awareness within the entire population would make a difference. Public information campaigns have made a difference for rape victims and have helped change public perceptions and practices in many areas. Of course, making FGM illegal would be the first step in changing these perceptions, the hard part is convincing the government that these practices are jeopardizing the country’s future.
