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Maasai leader in spirited drive to eliminate FGM

In Summary
  • “We have talked a lot about FGM and today I declare that we, the pastoralist should end it now. We have been taught for many years the bad effects of this tradition, I urge all leaders of our communities that continue with it to tell their people to stop it,” said Olaibon Mareto to the applause of attendees to a workshop organised by Wama.

Dar es Salaam. The Maasai cultural leader, Oloibon Tikwe Ole Mareto, yesterday undertook to spearhead campaigns to end female circumcision among members of the pastoralist community.
Speaking at a reproductive health and HIV/Aids workshop in Dar es Salam, Mareto who was accompanied by his wife declared it was time members of the community stopped the practice.
“We have talked a lot about FGM and today I declare that we, the pastoralist should end it now. We have been taught for many years the bad effects of this tradition, I urge all leaders of our communities that continue with it to tell their people to stop it,” said Olaibon Mareto to the applause of attendees to a workshop organised by Wama.
Olaibon Mareto’s spouse Magdalena Tikwa welcomed the pledge and said she would play her role to sensitise other women to embrace education. A mother of seven, she revealed their last born girl is not circumcised.
“We have been taught that FGM can even cause death, deny girl child opportunity to attend school, I urge all of us to accept change now and develop our areas like those of other Tanzanians.” Wama (Wanawake na Maendeleo) Chairperson who is also the Tanzania first lady, Salma Kikwete urged the pastoralist communities to stop all the traditions that hinder national development.
She said that although every community is guided by traditions and customs, the development of science and technology has given new opportunities to simplify many things including health.
“We have good traditional practices but still we have those that hinder some important improvement of development including practices that push women to poverty, poor health, and early pregnancies. We should talk about family planning and avoid HIV/Aids risks among the youth.” She however warned against copying harmful modern practices such as those that erode the morals of the society.
Deputy minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development, Mr Benedict Ole Nangoro said that such platforms are important to pastoralist communities currently facing land conflicts and joblessness.

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