The International Studies Public Forum presents

“How Can We Eliminate Female Genital Cutting?"
with Jackie Ogega, Executive Director,  Mpanzi

Thursday, February 6, 2014
5:00-6:50 p.m.
Social Science Plaza A, Room 1100

One day on a flight from New York to Manila Philippines, Ogega dared ask herself the question “what makes Female Genital Cutting possible, even inevitable?” Why such a question? Well, Female Genital cutting was made possible and inevitable for her, her sisters and her mother. She underwent this practice at the age of 10.
Although she believes that Female Genital Cutting can be eliminated, she is still bothered that for centuries, this practice has remained inescapable for many women and girls across Africa. In her own village of south-western Kenya, one can find girls today who are still undergoing this practice. Why is this practice persisting? How can we eliminate it? This session will be one where we explore challenges and possible solutions on the path to eliminating Female Genital Cutting. Reflections will be based on her personal story as a survivor and protector of her daughter (and son), and stories of other women and girls in rural villages of southwestern Kenya where Mpanzi works - www.mpanzi.org.

For further information, please contact Gloria Simpson, simpsong@uci.edu or 949-824-8687.