Sahiyo and Speak Out On FGM welcome the statement by Syedna Taher Fakhruddin of the Fatemi Dawat, which calls for the disallowing of FGC/khatna of the girl child.
FGC exists in Bohras in India and worldwide. There are various sects within the Bohras: Dawoodis, Sulemanis, Alvis, and within Dawoodis itself there is a current power struggle going on, which does not concern us. Speak Out on FGM and Sahiyo have representation of Bohra women from all these sects and are exclusively concerned about the welfare of the girl child and women (they may belong to any sect, religion or region/country) and are opposed to FGC/khatna on the girl child as it constitutes a severe human rights violation.
In this context we welcome the disallowing of khatna of minor girls. What their statement also says is that the CDH (clitoral de-hooding) procedure will be an elective procedure for the legal adult woman and not compulsory or enforced. We also would like to emphasise that it is not generally a medical necessity and can be done only if necessary on medical advice.
We also appeal to all the leaders of the other Bohra sects to pay heed to the voices of so many women and call for an end to FGM/FGC/khatna.
