We are now formulating an FGM/C prevention module so that children could edify their peers in order to make them understand once they grow up to not carry out the practice
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection (KPPA) is striving to rope in children and teenagers to boost efforts to prevent female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C).

Children and teenagers are deemed to be agents of change, have the capacity to understand reproductive health and the negative effects of female genital mutilation/cutting, and can conduct prevention efforts or educate their peers about FGM/C, according to the ministry.

"From children to children and teenagers to teenagers. That peer group force is what we seek to utilize," the ministry's assistant deputy for child special protection from violence, Ciput Eka Purwianti, noted in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

Children and teenagers could edify peers and share their knowledge about the impact of female genital mutilation/cutting, she said.

Children and teenagers would one day become parents and have their own children, she explained. Hence, they must be educated about the practice so that they understand that there is no medical benefit to female genital mutilation/cutting, she said.

Related news: Ministry urges ulemas to help prevent female genital mutilation

In fact, the practice poses a serious threat to health, such as the risk of infection if not treated properly, besides causing lasting trauma, she added.

"We are now formulating an FGM/C prevention module so that children could edify their peers in order to make them understand once they grow up to not carry out the practice," Purwianti noted.

She urged young parents to not be hesitant in looking for correct information concerning the impact of female genital mutilation/cutting.

She also advised them to further study the medical and religious dimensions of FGM/C so that this practice can be stopped.

Earlier, the ministry urged other ministries, institutions, and religious figures to synergize in order to prevent female genital mutilation through the formation of an FGM/C prevention roadmap and action plan 2020–2030.
Related news: KPPPA seeks action plan to prevent female genital mutilation, cutting



Translator: Anita Permata Dewi, Fadhli R
Editor: Suharto
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