She Deserves Better: The Fight Against FGM and Its Harmful Effects In Cameroon

"This fight is not for one person or organization alone in Cameroon,” Lesley said. “If the Ministry of Women Empowerment or an NGO organizes a sensitization campaign but lacks resources, others should step in and support. Ending FGM requires all of us.”

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – The Founder of the Lesley Foundation, Shey Lesley has raised alarm over the continued practice of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM in Cameroon, particularly in the Far North, Adamawa and North West regions. Despite global efforts to eradicate the practice, FGM continues to be deeply rooted in cultural traditions, passed down through generations as a supposed means of preserving a girl’s purity and ensuring fidelity in marriage.

Speaking during a recent sensitization campaign, Shey Lesley emphasized the urgent need to combat this harmful tradition, which is often performed on young girls between the ages of one and five.

A Deeply Rooted Cultural Practice

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation is often carried out by older women using unsterilized instruments, which increases the risk of severe infections, including HIV and other bloodborne diseases.

“Most of the time, Female Genital Mutilation is carried out under the belief that it preserves a girl’s purity for marriage,” Shey Lesley explained. “Many families see it as a tradition passed down from their grandmothers and mothers. Because they underwent the procedure, they feel it is necessary for their daughters as well.”

Lesley, however, stressed that this belief is outdated and harmful. Female Genital Mutilation has no medical benefits and instead causes lifelong health complications.

Shocking Health Consequences

Medical experts warn that Female Genital Mutilation leads to numerous health complications, including chronic pain, infections, menstrual disorders, and complications during childbirth. Many women who undergo Female Genital Mutilation later suffer from infertility, while others experience a loss of sexual function and psychological distress.

“The pain lasts forever,” Lesley emphasized. “I recently listened to a documentary about a young girl from Uganda whose mother took her to Gambia for FGM. She did not understand what was happening until it was too late. The trauma stays with these girls for life.”

Widespread crisis

Despite laws against Female Genital Mutilation, the practice remains widespread in some communities, especially in the North West, Adamawa, and Far North regions. Some studies indicate that one in four young girls between the ages of 15 and 25 in these areas has undergone FGM. The South West and Center regions also have cases of the practice, though at lower rates.

One of the biggest challenges in eradicating Female Genital Mutilation is the refusal by some communities to acknowledge its existence. “Many people still don’t believe FGM is happening in the 21st century,” Lesley noted. “If people don’t acknowledge the problem, how can they fight against it?”

Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to combat Female Genital Mutilation in Cameroon. NGOs, government institutions, and community leaders are engaging in awareness campaigns, and educating communities on the dangers of the practice. However, more needs to be done.

Massive Sensitization required

Shey Lesley believes that ending Female Genital Mutilation requires a collective effort. He has called for massive sensitization, stronger law enforcement, engaging traditional leaders, and the need for government and NGO collaboration to bring an end to the phenomenon.

"This fight is not for one person or organization alone," Lesley said. "If the Ministry of Women Empowerment or an NGO organizes a sensitization campaign but lacks resources, others should step in and support. Ending FGM requires all of us."

Shey Lesley’s message is clear: Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence. While cultural beliefs are difficult to change, communities must come together to protect young girls from this harmful practice.

“The future of our daughters depends on us,” Lesley said. “We must work together to end FGM and ensure that no girl suffers this pain again.”