From Survivor to Advocate: Violet’s Fight Against FGM

Violet, a 37-year-old mother of four from Bukwo district, grew up in a community where Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was the norm. It was the rite of passage for girls into adulthood, and education for the girl child was a privilege, not a right. Elders were very serious that they had to undergo the FGM practice.

Being the eldest of two girls, her father expected her to fulfill the cultural obligations. When she got married, she thought she had escaped FGM, but her parents-in-law believed even more in the culture than her father. She was taunted, abused, and disrespected because she was uncircumcised.

Even after producing three children, she was still considered a “small girl.” All this forced her to join 52 other girls who were circumcised in 2008 in her area. She was so traumatized by the events before and during the actual cutting ceremony that she made a vow that no one in her area would face what she faced.

Teaming up with Male Action Groups (MAGs), a team of men committed to ending harmful practices, they have been able to rescue a number of girls, with some trying to cross the border to Kenya to undergo FGM.

“When I was cut, I bled a lot. Many of my colleagues fainted and were rushed to hospital. I still feel the effects up to now. I have both physical and emotional scars. Now I see there is no need to put any girl in such pain and trauma,” says Violet.

Violet has been re-energized and empowered after attending UNFPA and ActionAid International Uganda workshops. She now teams up with the Male Action Groups to sensitize people about FGM, gender-based violence, and early marriages.

Their efforts are changing their community for the better. “Using my testimony, I have been able to impact the lives of over 30 girls in my area. When my daughter’s friends visit, I sensitize them about the dangers of FGM and early marriages. I also move within the neighborhood sensitizing more people. I encourage the girls to join churches to build good morals and remain in school.”

Violet calls for the equal treatment of both boys and girls. “All children are equal, and when given the same opportunities, the girls will become as successful as the boys. FGM is outdated. Girls should remain in school,” emphasizes Violet.

By Samuel Ononge,

Project Officer, AAIU