Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation plans to honor survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) during their pre-walk ceremony on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on October 31st. The organization will also pay tribute in a moment of silence to the many women and girls that have died as a result of the dreadful practice of FGM. The survivors will wear purple shirts, and will be honorably seated in the front row during the ceremony. “It is the least we can do to recognize the brave women and girls who have lived with the consequences.” A representative from the Global Woman Center said. “For these women to come forward and reveal that they are survivors of something that is taboo to discuss in their culture is remarkable and honorable, and we think that they should be honored everyday of their lives.”
Although most deaths resulting from FGM occur within twenty-four hours to two weeks following the procedure, many survivors die in childbirth years later. The risk of fatality is always a possibility. Studies have hinted of a correlation between FGM and cervical cancer. Approximately 140 million girls and women worldwide are currently living with the consequences of female genital mutilation.
The renowned OB-GYN, Dr. Marci Bowers is scheduled to address the crowd as well as the honorees during the ceremony. Dr. Bowers will speak to the crowd from a medical perspective. She has successfully performed hundreds of restorative surgeries on survivors of female genital mutilation.
If you are a survivor of FGM and are able to attend the walk-a-thon, please go to the website www.globalwomanpeacefoundation.org and register as a survivor to be included as an honoree on October 31st. If you know someone or persons that are survivors, please encourage them to register or contact Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation at info@globalwomanpeacefoundation.org. We want to give you the recognition and honor you so deserve.