How to Approach the Eradication of Female Genital Cutting (FGC)

There is a great article written by Gerry Mackie on the cultural context that surrounds FGC, comparing the practice to footbinding in China. The article explores the cultural importance of FGC and shows that the traditional aspects of the practice must be understood and considered when developing policies aimed at the eradication of this practice.

Here is the link: http://www.tostan.org/news-fgc.htm
The article is called "Chapter 13: Female Genital Cutting: The Beginning of the End"
If that link doesn't work, go to www.tostan.org, the articles section, and it is the fourth hyperlink on the page.

Lastly, the organization, TOSTAN, is a very interesting organization. It was created in Senegal by an American woman, Molly Melching, as an informal education program for women in rural areas. They are now expanding their efforts to many other African nations. It is a two-year program that is facilitated in the villages that it is serving, and is focused on sustainable development. The facilitator provides support for any projects that the villagers decide they would like to pursue. The program aims to empower its participants and teach through song and theater, as a means of incorporating the local culture.