Sierra Leone: Islam Not In Favour of FGM – Says Iranian Consul

Cultural Consul of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Wednesday said Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is not a fundamental practice in Islam and that women should not be forced to undergo it.

Speaking at an interactive session organized by Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) on the theme: ‘The law, successes and challenges,’ Mohamed Ghezel Sofla said it is unacceptable for women to go through such a difficulty.

“FGM should not be tolerated in any society,” he urged adding, “I want to see Sierra Leone develop.” He said the media must be the tool behind any country’s development.

WIMSAL’s president Mariama Sesay said the essence of the session was to create better understanding on the issue of female genital mutilation which she said is of great concern to women.

She said the idea of forming the organization was born out of a workshop that was held at the Iranian cultural consulate.

Representative from Amnesty International Bockarie Lansana said the practice of FGM is a gross violation of women and children’s right as it causes severe pains and suffering.

He said there is no law that prohibits the practice of FGM adding, “It is a human right abuse.”

Source: Concord Times – 7 February 2008