(18) Abay's Return: Defying the Tradition of Female Genital Cutting

The Afar Community

  • Living Conditions

    • The Afar are one of the poorest ethnic groups in Ethiopia.

    • One in three Afar children dies before the age of five.

    • Only 2% of the population can read and write.

  • Cultural Practice: Female Genital Cutting

    • Common practice for centuries among the Afar.

    • Girls undergo cutting before age 12 in groups of 20, involving a ceremony attended only by women.

    • While it is an important rite of passage, the practice often leads to serious health issues and lasting emotional damage.

The Journey of Abai

  • Introduction to CARE

    • In fall 2004, the narrator traveled to the Afar territory to document CARE's work.

    • Met Abai, a 28-year-old CARE worker dedicated to improving her community.

  • Abai's Personal Story

    • At age 8, her mother announced it was time for her cutting ceremony. Abai courageously refused.

    • Forced to run away to her godfather in Addis Ababa when her mother's pressure became unbearable.

    • Returned to her village after graduating school, committed to enhancing health and education.

  • Contributions through CARE

    • Applied to CARE and worked in Awash Fent.

    • Initiated opening of a primary school and three health posts.

    • Oversaw the drilling of a well and started community agriculture programs.

Addressing Female Genital Cutting

  • Breaking Taboos

    • Abai slowly gained trust among women to discuss female genital cutting, a topic typically considered taboo.

  • Community Resistance

    • Upon word spreading about discussions on genital cutting, Abai faced threats, including one from a man wielding a gun.

  • Documenting the Practice

    • Transitioned strategy by seeking permission to film a cutting ceremony.

    • The film's showing shocked male elders, leading to a significant community meeting and a groundbreaking decision.

Historic Shift in Community Mindset

  • Ending the Practice

    • After four days of debate, the male elders voted 15-2 to end female genital cutting in Awash Fent.

  • Formation of Anti-Female Genital Cutting Association

    • Four years post-decision saw another meeting facilitated by CARE to elect leaders against the practice.

    • Nearly 90 attendees; women actively voiced opinions, culminating in a woman being elected president.

Empowerment of Women in Afar

  • Bridging Gender Gaps

    • Abai was instrumental in enabling women to contribute to community decisions, traditionally dominated by men.

    • Her work highlights the capability and importance of women engaging in community issues.

  • Legacy

    • Women in Afar are now changing village dynamics, empowered by having a voice.

    • Abai's mother, who once expected her daughter to conform, is filled with pride for Abai's achievements.

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