8 March 2008 - UNICEF Sudan statement on the occasion of International Women's DayAs Sudan commemorates International Women’s Day in a series of events around the country this week, I would like to draw particular focus to efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). There have been important steps taken in recent years to reduce the prevalence of FGM/C in Sudan, including vital leadership from the government in highlighting how FGM/C is physically and psychologically harmful, and in some cases, fatal and that it has direct and indirect repercussions on increasing maternal mortality, infertility and the risk of transmitting HIV and AIDS. Religious scholars have actively emphasised that FGM/C is not an Islamic obligation or duty. There is a growing public debate about the practice, and its implications on the health and wellbeing of girls and women. However, today the prevalence of FGM/C remains at nearly 70 per cent in Sudan. Faced by this statistic, we must do more to get the message across to families that FGM/C is never in the best interests of their daughters, sisters and wives. Today, I call upon all Sudanese to support the concept of ‘Saleema’. This beautiful Arabic word – signifying whole, undamaged, unharmed, or complete – is of course also a girl’s name. What better word could we choose around which to promote the idea that being complete is also to be beautiful? As we commemorate International Women’s Day this year, The National Council for Child Welfare and UNICEF and other partners will begin rolling out a new public awareness campaign based upon this concept of ‘Saleema’, to end the perception that failure to perform FGM/C brings shame and exclusion for women. To the contrary, leaving a girl complete is something to be proud of. This awareness campaign is being undertaken with the support of the DAL Group and represents an important contribution of the private sector in Sudan to the protection concerns of women and children. Female genital mutilation and cutting is not just a harmful practice. It is a violation of the rights of girls and women. Sudanese leaders have affirmed that there is no defence or justification – whether religious, society or cultural – for this practice. Let us join together today on this International Women’s Day to share the joy of the uncut girl, and celebrate the pride that she brings to her family and society. Let us reaffirm our determination to bring the joy and pride of ‘Saleema’ to every girl and woman in Sudan. Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Representative
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