"Let me tell you, I had difficulties with all my deliveries. Every time I had to go to hospital. I lost four of my babies. I have had twelve pregnancies and each time I had this terrible pain in my side.

When I trained as a midwife I found out why I had these problems. It was because I was circumcised.

Ever since my mummy had me circumcised, I have had problems.

During my childhood I had problems urinating because the stitches left so little space. Then when I started my period the blood would not come out as it should. This was because of the same blockage.

And when I married I had another problem. I did not enjoy lovemaking.

I am telling you all, mothers, fathers, daughters, this custom must stop."

FGM is performed on girls aged between 6 and 10 and can cause:

• haemorrhaging

• feeling of shock

• infection of the genital area

• difficulty in release of urine

• injury to surrounding flesh

Problems in childbirth:

• The mother's labour may be obstructed. This can be fatal for both mother and baby.

• She may suffer permanent injury and infection

Other possible long-term problems:

• infertility

• recurring urinary tract infections

• blockage of menstrual fluid causing infections

• incontinence

• painful pelvic infections

• severe scar tissue

• cysts

• constant pain around the genital area

• sexual problems for both partners

Fact: In Somalia the mortality rate of mothers is one of the highest in the world.

Voices from the Boroma Women's Organizations

"Female circumcision is not based on any Muslim religious instruction. In fact it is prohibited within our religion. But we only recently understood this and now we are all working to stop this dangerous practice."

"Many mothers still have their girls circumcised. But this is against the Rights of the Child. Mothers and children, parents, everyone needs to learn about this."

What do you think about this? Do you want this practice to stop? Discuss this with others. Together see if you can find the solution to this problem.

"I have the right to live without abuse...."
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

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