Recent blogging silence, for which my apologies, but the post below deserves all sorts of plaudits. Below are photos and a quick story from Wynne White, who lives and volunteers in Harrar in Ethiopia.
Like me, this is where she came across the true extent of FGC and I’m really delighted that she has now decided that she should publicise this issue and raise awareness about it. Her story is outlined here:
“My name is Wynne White. I am a 71 year old Canadian VSO volunteer working at training lecturers at Haramaya University in Ethiopia.
I became interested in the issue of FGC after reading ‘Sweetness in the Belly’ – a novel by Canadian, Camilla Gibb. The story is based on research she did for her PhD, on women’s experience in the nearby Ethiopian historic city of Harrar.
One scene in the novel describes the ‘cutting’ of a young girl by the local women. I was reminded that this practice still goes on here and in other places in Africa and elsewhere, and was moved to try to support education programs which target local women and men regarding the dangers of this practice.
After contacts with several local programs, it became clear that they did not have the infrastructure to promote their programs or collect funds internationally as was my aim. For this reason, I’ve contacted Julia for help.
My plan is to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, with my 18 year old grandson, to raise awareness about FGC.”
Wynne is fundraising for Orchid and you can donate online here if you want to sponsor her. Also, coming VERY soon for her Canadian family and friends, a way to donate in Canadian dollars – please watch this space for a link very shortly to a different site (I hope by Monday).
