Maasai Women End Traditional Female Circumcision

[redqueen]

http://m.theepochtimes.com/n2/world/maasai-women-end-traditional-female-circumcision-299742.html



In a traditional two-day ceremony in Kenya, the Maasai, one of the oldest cultures in Africa, changed the fate of 52 young girls in a historic alternative rites of passage (ARP) performed without female circumcision.

Maasai men and women who accepted the new ceremony took a monumental leap forward in health and education for their culture, causing reactions across the globe.

Three Maasai women were selected by the African Schools of Kenya (ASK) to talk with the girls about issues ranging from their basic human rights as young women to reasons for using birth control.

...

“There was no holding back on the information given to the 52 girls attending the first Alternative Rites of Passage without cutting,” said Teri Gabrielsen, founder of ASK, which funds educational courses in Africa.

...

Special recognition was given to the four cutters: They each received a milking goat for their willingness to participate in the ceremony and for supporting the “non-circumcision” of the girls.

...

So good to see this happening... truly encouraging news.

[Suich]

1. This is great news!

Let's hope the movement spreads!

[Tumbulu]

2. I agree! (nt)

[redqueen]

3. Education is the key...

Fingers crossed that it picks up speed, and turns from a ripple to a wave.

[Indpndnt]

4. Great news and very encouraging!

I'm impressed that they included so many on all sides of the issue. That's how to foster change and agreement.

[ismnotwasm]

5. Wow

So cool. There has been a lot of work done by women in these communities; and a lot of support from activist groups world wide.

These women are very brave I think. There's still a lot of social opposition, for them to come out is incredibly awesome

[seabeyond]

6. well, good for them. they are progressing. we are regressing. nt