Forthcoming Book By FORWARD Founder Efua Dorkenoo – FGM: Politics and Prevention

This summer FORWARD founder, long-term campaigner and expert on women’s health Efua Dorkenoo is to have published a second book on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – Female Genital Mutilation Politics and Prevention. The book is a re-write of Efua’s pioneering first book ‘Cutting the Rose’ published in 1994 which received great recognition, including selection by a jury of academics and writers to feature on the list of Africa’s 100 Best Books of the Twentieth Century at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair in 2002.

In this second work Efua explores different perspectives on FGM and the current situation concerning the practice of FGM. Due for release in August 2006, Female Genital Mutilation Politics and Prevention, presents steps in the form of preventative measures and the role that authorities can take to bring about the end of this practice which represents such a violation of the rights of women and the girl child.

Between 100 million and 140 million girls and women are subjected to FGM worldwide and a further 2 million girls, mostly in Africa are at risk. For these women FGM means pain and shock and in some instances long-lasting physical and psychological conditions, and even death. Efua’s stance is firm, ‘Rather than righteous indignation, what is urgently needed is understanding of the problem and the practical support to change it.’

Efua Dorkenoo has been involved in multiple pieces of research and initiatives related to women’s health and FGM, in recognition of which she was awarded an OBE in 1994.

Read about Efua’s involvement in the recent WHO FGM and Obstetric outcomes study here