"Hash Tag, Me Too; Give A Dollar"

There seems to be a phenomenon sweeping the American media; an enough is enough movement, a shout of, "Hey wait a minute, this cannot go on," by the female gender in the United States. Being female, I'd like to say, "I love when that happens!" Being female and a mom I'd like to say, "I hate that it had to." I hate that it must. But, I hate even more what goes on and on in places in this world filled with females. Like anyone living in the United States I think about these issues. I think about immigration. I think about it for my child's future and for others. I think about sexual assault. I think about it for my children and for others. I think about it as I live my busy life. I think about it and I try to decide what and how I feel about all these issues. I think Hashtag; ME TOO was a culmination of women who did the same. Then reached the point I just have. Sometimes it isn't enough just to think about it.

I must do something, I must do something for other females. I reached this pinnacle in a most unusual way. I was in the middle of the James Patterson novel, "Cross Country." I threw the book down and said, "That's it. I can't just sit by and let this happen."

The brutality and violence against women throughout this world is abhorrent. It is abhorrent and it is easy to dismiss it in the United States. It is easy because there are laws to protect women here. There are organizations, laws and a slew of people to help females in the United States. Watching mothers risk their children's lives to try and enter this United States must make us ask why. What is happening in their countries that we are not addressing as a developed country?

Alex Cross, the main character in James Patterson's "Cross Country" made a promise to someone in Africa that he would let the United States know of the violence and brutality occurring in Africa. If he can try to spread the word, then I can to. And, like the character Alex Cross, this is in no way to diminish the horrific experience and pain anyone in the United States has had to endure as a victim of sexual assault and abuse. Yet, make no mistake, sexual assaults are declining in the United States and around the world. So, progress it being made daily. Women's rights are extending and improving around the World.

However, if we are ignorant of a female issue, we are powerless to stop it.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION is an accepted procedure that occurs in this world. Female genital mutilation commonly known as FGM is a procedure done to females, usually around the age of five. The procedure consists of closing the vulva, removal of clitoral hood and glans, removal of inner and outer labia and then infibulation which is making a hole to allow for urine and childbirth. According to Unicef, 8,000 females have the procedure per day. That is three million a year. The human rights global organization, Rainbo, estimates that 200 million females have had the FGM procedure. It is known as the circumcision of females. In some countries it is a traditional ritual done by a circumcisor. Yet, a circumcisor could use the same knife on 30 females at the same time. Some use anesthesia, some don't. Some villages have an elderly woman go to the females home. Some have the local barber go. Knives are used. Yet, so are sharp rocks, sharp pieces of glass and fingernails. Sutures are used in some areas. Thorns are used in some areas, too. After the procedure is complete, the females feet are bound together for a week. After a week, the bound may be loosened and removed in two to six weeks time.

Why? Many women want the procedure. Many mothers want their daughters to have the procedure. Why? Some say it is a procedure to spiritually cleanse a female. Egypt's belief is that it makes women, "Smarter and calmer," states Rainbo's informational website. Some say it is done for hygiene. Many say it is done to be socially acceptable. Females in many areas are ridiculed and men will not marry females that are not circumcised. That's why. Many Men in these areas say that they fear God will punish them if they marry a female that has not had the FGM procedure.

After the procedure the amputated parts are sometimes placed in a pouch for the female to wear. Upon marriage, a procedure to widen the opening is again performed on the female, many times in front of her husband, his family and others. At childbirth another procedure is performed to allow for birth.

Sometimes horrible things go on and on and on and on. Those who know cannot believe it, often appalled by others apathy. Sometimes horrible things go on and on and on because the horrible thing isn't known to enough.

Sometimes when the horrible thing becomes known, then the horrible thing does come to an end.

Ending FGM as a social norm and acceptable procedure is a goal of the United Nations and other global organizations. It is a worthy goal. The goal was to end FGM by 2012. The United Nations is perplexed as to why the goal wasn't met. I'm frightened the procedure exists. The United Nations has experienced the affects firsthand. I'm grateful I live in a country where I don't need to know it exists. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly passed the 67/146 resolution to intensify global efforts for eliminating FGM as an acceptable social norm and female ritual.

Although there are other smaller areas, FGM is performed as a social norm in one particular part of the world. East to west from Somalia to Senegal; north to south from Egypt to Tanzania. Sudan, Egypt and Indonesia are some countries whostill believe FGM is beneficial to women. Islam, according to Wikipedia is the largest religion with the belief that FGM is to benefit the community and female. Females are adamant more so then men to maintain the FGM procedure in their community, according to Rainbo, a global human rights organization.

Awareness and education of a better way is what makes change. Repugnance and disdain is not what's needed. That thought brings me full circle. President Trump was asked by a reporter why he would speak to a dictator who has labor camps and has for decades.

Why? When we know of a better way and a path to get us there, we will take that path. We will for ourselves, our community and mostly for our children. The United States is not exclusive in loving their children, family, community and country. But, at the same time we must understand a brutal violent rape in Yemen, the country believed to be the most brutal toward the female gender is not the same as a brutal, violent rape in the U.S.A. I think the FGM procedure highlights that fact.

I heard Mr. Trump was meeting with the leader of Egypt, Sudan, Indonesia and all the other countries where FGM procedures are regularly performed and socially acceptable. Okay, I didn't hear it, but I'd like to. I heard everyone who read, heard of, or participated in the "Hashtag, ME TOO" movement gave a dollar to the United Nations, UN WOMEN with the "Hashtag, end FGM." Okay, I haven't heard that, either. But, I'd like to.

There are 23.13 million people living in the United States according to the US Census Bureau. What could be accomplished if each of us gave a dollar-no more, no less. Just one dollar. Could the United Nations then meet the goal of ending FGM?

According to the US Census Bureau there are 7.5 billion people in the World. What else don't we know about that we should? I wonder if those who could would donate a dollar, just one dollar to the United nations, UN WOMEN. I wonder what then could be accomplished with the thoughts, wishes and prayers of every women who has had to endure the violent act of rape. "Remittance can spur global growth," is a quote highlighted on the United Nations website.

I believe in the United Nations. I believe that it is easier to help children in their foreign country than it is to help them here in the United States. I believe it is easier, quicker and safer.

References;

Facts, stats and other information was gathered from the websites:

US CENSUS BUREAU

UNITED NATIONS

RAINBO ORGANIZATION

WIKIPEDIA