by Kene’h Oweh, 17 years old

It is agreeable that young people should be involved in ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) due to young people’s willingness to consider not only the previous, and current, victims of FGM, but also the families of victims and the potential victims of this traumatic ordeal. However, some people may argue that young people should not be involved due to the lack of information young people receive about FGM.

One reason why it is considered agreeable that young people should be involved in ending FGM is due to young people being the future generation of adults.

The likelihood of the ending of FGM, unfortunately, is not going to happen in the foreseeable future, due to the numerous cultural sects where this practice is rife. Therefore in order to be the change we all would like to see, young people, being the future generation of the society, need to be more involved in the ending of FGM.

Another reason why young people should be involved in ending FGM is due to the younger generation being more aware of the equality rights and the fact that FGM is a violation of these rights for women and children. One movement that has become increasingly prominent in the last decade is ‘feminism’. This movement advocates for the equality of the sexes, and the growth in its popularity, especially among younger people, only proves the point that younger people are gaining more knowledge on human rights, which includes the right to not inflict excruciating pain on women.

On the other hand, it could be reasoned that young people should not be involved in ending FGM due to the lack of comprehension of the illegal practice.

It is disadvantageous to both the campaign of ending FGM, and young people, that not enough material is provided to young people concerning the fatal and permanent risks of FGM.

However, young people cannot be held accountable for not having enough knowledge of FGM, due to the inadequate amount of education about the subject, young people obtain. This matter could be resolved by the UK government introducing more facts about FGM in the school curriculum.

To conclude, I agree that young people should be involved in ending Female Genital Mutilation, as not only are we the future but , with an increase in the teaching of FGM, young people will gain more knowledge about the dangers of FGM as well as the passion to finally cease the execution of Female Genital Mutilation.

Sing. Shout. Smile. Laugh. Live. #EndFGM

FGM – Everybody’s Business is now on Facebook and Twitter! ‘Like’ and follow us for more news, competitions and more.

Suggestions? Want to write for us? Just want to say hello? Email the editor on [email protected]