Part of an outreach and development worker's role is to facilitate workshops and seminars. The following is a brief evaluative summary of a recent workshop conducted by Faduma for Somali women on female genital mutialtion.

Initially 25 women were registered to participate this session, but only 20 women attended it.


The theme of the session was:
Why is female genital mutilation still practised?

It was this overall question that initiated the focus of discussion for the workshop. Women were asked to talk about the differing opinions of FGM within Somali society. In particular they talked of how Somali society see uncircumcised women, and how women's and men's perception of circumcision may differ.

A questionnaire on FGM was also handed out before the session began. Those who could not read the questions in English were assisted in order to make sure that each participant's answers was noted.

Answers to the questions and reasons given for the continuation of the practice were interesting, challenging and sometimes ridiculous.

This session can be judged to have been very successful by the fact that it allowed the women participants to feel free to express their views without inhibition or embarrassment. Everybody joined in the discussion. Some women were very emotional about it as it evoked experiences of suffering and pain, which still now affects their health and well-being. Dr. Zeinab, a Somali link worker and I listened to their problems and promised to see them individually after the session about referrals to the appropriate clinics. With all the pain and suffering that was being expressed, some women felt that something important in their culture was being eroded or ridiculed.

The session highlighted the need for on-going debate and discussion within the practicing communities. Women should have more chances to talk and express their feelings. They are learning a lot from each other and receiving advice from professionals in these sessions.