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Female Genital Mutilation: A Mothering Exclusive Report |
Activist Interview:
Dr. Morrisanda Kouyate
How did you first come to a point where you realized that you wanted to work to end FGM? Was it gradual or immediate?
I started to fight against FGM in 1982, when, as director of the hospital of Tougue (a city in the Republic of Guinea) I received two girls (14 and 15 years old) who had undergone FGM. They died afterwards, although I did my best to save them. I was very shocked by that bad event. It was then that I decided to fight against FGM.
Article continues belowDo you have anti-FGM or pro-women mentors?
I have many friends and colleagues around the world who fight against FGM, but I don’t have a mentor.At what age did you first learn about FGM?
My community (Mandingo) in Guinea is a FGM community, so I have known about FGM since I was very young. But I decided to fight against it in 1982.Do you feel like you are fighting an uphill battle, or are your area's culture ripe for change?
For me, I’m fighting for a human rights issue. And I’m convinced that we will win.Do you feel like you are a typical Guinean, or rare? In other words, do you think most people in your area just need to tap into their power in order to be as active as you are for women's rights, or some just aren't cut out for it?
I was rare for the first 15 years. Many people considered me to be a bad person who was against his own culture. But now, in Guinea, thanks my organization (CPTAFE) we have many people (women and men) who have joined us in fighting against FGM.What percentage of women in your country has undergone FGM?
I am happy to report that in 2003, the percentage was 89%, down from 99% in 1984.What do you think are incentives to help girls resist FGM?
It depends on each situation. But we must first of all protect the girls, because in many communities, the girls don’t have the option to resist.Do they have safe places to go if they need to run away?
Yes. Many associations or organizations in Guinea which are fighting against FGM can receive the girls who run away. The girls can also flee the country.How does your family feel about what you are doing?
My family supports me, but some members of my extended family disapprove of my commitment against FGM and to human rights for women and children.What problems do you encounter?
Ignorance, in some communities. The biggest problem for me is twofold:- Some people, such as religious leaders who know that FGM is bad, and not written into the Koran and Bible, refuse to recognize publicly that this is true.
- Some people are fighting against FGM, but without conviction.
What successes show you that you are making progress?
We have many good results:- A law against FGM was enacted by parliament and ratified by the President of Republic in July 2000
- Thousands of women and their communities have made public declarations against FGM and put down their knives
- People in television and radio are talking about FGM
- Politicians, religious leaders and traditional chiefs are involved in the anti-FGM program
- Young people are fighting against FGM The FGM rate is decreasing
What do you do to stay encouraged and not give up?
For me, fighting against FGM and defending human rights for women and children is my life.
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