The UCI Cross Cultural Center and Gender Education Initiative present

"Female Genital Mutilation in Sierra Leone: Secrecy, Sexuality, Solutions"
with Nina Smart, Graduate Student, Department of Sociology, UC Irvine

Thursday, April 26, 2012
12:00 p.m. (noon)
UCI Cross Cultural Center, Dr. Joseph White Conference Room

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a common practice affecting women in the West African Country of Sierra Leone. Internationally recognized as a human rights violation, FGM is not criminalized and it is embraced, even protected by the women who find empowerment in its continuity. Performed as a ritual of initiation into female secret society, FGM is a harmful traditional practice sheltered under the cultural umbrella. "Secrecy, Sexuality, Solutions" opens a door to understanding the challenges facing women who believe FGM is an integral part of their life in Sierra Leone.

For further information, please contact Kevin M. Huie, khuie@uci.edu or 949-824-2001.