Take Action: Equality Now: Mali: Renewed Call for a Law Against Female Genital Mutilation

The Action also provides an update on the remarkable health and educational progress of Fanta Camara, whose case was highlighted in Women's Action 25.1.

In 2005 Mali ratified the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa which in Article 5(b) requires States Parties to prohibit FGM through legislative measures backed by sanctions. This is in addition to Article 1 of Mali’s Constitution, which sets forth the right of all citizens to integrity of person and guarantees the protection of all citizens from inhumane, cruel and degrading treatment, as do other similar international obligations of Mali. Elections were held recently in Mali and a new cabinet appointed. Both the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Diouncounda Traoré, and the Chair of the Committee on Health, Dr. Omar Mariko, have publicly stated their opposition to FGM. Dr. Mariko, an opposition Member of Parliament, offered to draft a specific law against FGM. More advocacy is now needed to encourage the government to honor its commitments and to enact a strong law against FGM as well as supporting education and outreach to relevant communities on the dangers of FGM.

FGM is not unique to Mali. Around the world it is estimated that more than 130 million women and girls have been subjected to FGM and 2 million girls every year, or 6,000 every day, are at risk of FGM. An extreme form of the many traditional practices used by communities to deny women equality, FGM is defended by both men and women as a rite of passage and a social prerequisite for marriage. It is used in an effort to control women’s sexuality. However, 16 of the 28 African countries where FGM is practiced have adopted laws to protect girls from this harmful practice. These laws appear to be having an impact on reducing the prevalence of FGM, particularly in those countries such as Burkina Faso where the law is publicized and enforced.

For further information, please visit http://www.equalitynow.org/english/actions/action_2502_en.html

Recommended Actions

Please write to the Malian authorities and urge them to support the introduction and passage of a law against FGM as a matter of urgent priority. Mention the harmful effects of FGM and remind them of Mali’s obligations under international law, particularly the newly-ratified Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa, as well as its own Constitution, to eradicate FGM and to end discrimination against women and girls. Urge them also to take measures and support efforts to educate practicing communities on the harmful effects of FGM. Letters should be addressed to:

H.E. Amadou Toumany Touré
President
BP 1463, Koulouba
Bamako, MALI
Fax: +223 2-22-46-94

H.E. Maharafa Traoré
Minister of Justice
BP 97, Quartier du fleuve
Bamako, MALI
Fax: +223 2-23-00-63

H.E. Mme Maiga Sina Damba
Minister for the Promotion of Women, Children and the Family
BP 2688, Hamdalaye ACI 2000
Rue de l'Obelisque Porte 99
Bamako, MALI
Fax: +223 2-22-75-24

If you would like to contact the Malian government via e-mail, please note that Equality Now was unable to obtain working e-mail addresses for the President and Ministers. Equality Now encourages you to additionally contact the Malian embassy in your country:

Embassy of Mali in Washington, DC, United States
Fax: +1 202 332 66 03
E-mail: infos@maliembassy.us

Embassy of Mali in Ottawa, ON, Canada
Fax: +1 613 232 7429
Email: ambassadedumali@rogers.com