This material came to my attention cutesy of Victoria Webster a women's right campaigner. I felt it necessary to add my little voice to the unacceptable statistic across the globe on women's health issues.
I always have the view that, men are the causes of many problems affecting women. If the male gender is aware of its role in the protection and support necessary for the betterment of our sisters, the world will be a much better place.
please read the findings of Victoria. thanks
The unacceptable facts: women health matters
· The leading cause of death of girls and young women (15-19 years old) globally is pregnancy and childbirth[1]
· There are 60 million child brides world-wide, increasing to 100 million within ten years[2]
· Each day, some 500,000 young people, mostly young women, are infected with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (excluding HIV)[3]
Young people (15-24 years old) account for half of all new HIV infections worldwide [4]
Only 17 per cent of sexually active young people use contraceptives[5]
· Two million girls are genitally mutilated every year[6]
· Today, more than 200 million women do not have access to the modern contraceptives they desire[7]
Governments across the globe have failed to deliver the promises they made fifteen years ago to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people, putting the lives and wellbeing of millions at risk. Shocked by the lack of progress made, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) today launches the 15andCounting campaign (02 June), urging young people around the world to call their governments to task and demand action.
2009 is the 15th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) where 179 governments agreed on a 20-year Programme of Action to improve the sexual and reproductive health of everyone – forming a critical part of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. With only five years remaining to meet their commitments, many governments are failing to make progress against these goals, particularly in meeting the needs of young people.
Dr. Gill Greer, Director General of IPPF said “Those born in 1994, when governments all over the world made their commitment, are now 15 years old and have needs, desires and expectations that the world seems unprepared to address.
“It is completely unacceptable that the health and wellbeing of more than 1.5 billion young people is being jeopardized for want of political and financial commitment. Governments have failed to prioritize the sexual health services, education and information young people need to lead healthy, safe and empowered lives; it is critical they review the promises they made and to accelerate programmes to meet the needs of all young people.”
The 15 and Counting campaign is asking people all over the world to sign the “Count Me In: Sexual Rights for All” petition to demand better access to sexual health services and education for everyone, which will be presented to the United Nations in October.
The 15 and Counting campaign is being delivered on the ground in 176 countries world wide by IPPF’s Member Associations. As well as spreading the message on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, the campaign will include the instant messaging application of MXit to encourage petition signatures via mobile for young people without internet access.
To sign the petition and find out more about the campaign visit www.15andcounting.org
Quotations from Youth Activists
Shaai, Youth Peer Educator, Uganda
“A problem I have as a peer educator is talking with young girls in my village. They often come to me looking for condoms and their main worry is always about unwanted pregnancy, not STIs or HIV. You see, pregnancy is visible and abortion in Uganda is still illegal. If the girls get pregnant they are aware of the problems they will face.”
Ghaith, Youth Volunteer , Syria
“Sexual rights and reproductive health are so important in our society, young people need to know more about these things. Young people have a lot of problems, because they don’t have any kind of information about STIs and HIV/AIDS. So they make a lot of mistakes. They don’t have any idea about how STIs and HIV/AIDS are being transmitted. We tell them which method of contraception would suit them best and how to use it properly. We tell them about sex and relationships education which equips young people with the skills and knowledge they need. We have a lot of young people here who don’t know anything about their rights, about sexual issues and reproductive health.”
Johanna, 15, Sex Worker, Bolivia
“It is not good living in the streets but I would rather be here then at a government institution, where I wouldn’t get to see my friends. I know all about STIs and HIV - Tina (a nurse from CIES, IPPF’s Bolivian affiliate) talks a lot about it. I don’t have a boyfriend but if I did I would try to make him use a condom but that’s not an easy thing to do. I don’t always use a condom with my clients because they don’t want to use one – they pay less if they are made to use one and my boss doesn’t let me either. My friends were taken to an institution last night but I escaped – the police came and put them in a van and took them away – they target us because we are younger and are very strict with us. They do not understand us.”
For images, case studies and interviews with spokespeople please contact
IN THE UK :
Victoria Webster, Aby Farsoun or Grant Richmond-Coggan on
020 7025 7500 or email alltukippf@trimediauk.com
IN SOUTH AFRICA (For MXit’s involvement in the campaign):
Issued by and for more information:
Sandra Sampayo / 079 167 6863 / 021487 9000 / sandra.sampayo@fd.com
Jean Dennis / 083 500 5302 / 021487 9000 /jean.dennis@fd.com
Notes to Editors:
The IPPF
The International Planned Parenthood Federation is a federation of non-governmental organizations working in 176 countries worldwide and is a global leader in providing and advocating for the right to improved sexual and reproductive health. IPPF has a strategic focus on working with and delivering for young people. www.ippf.org
The ICPD (International Conference on Population and Development)
The ICPD Programme of Action aims to make family planning, sexual and reproductive health and information universally available by 2015 as part of a broadened approach to individual health and rights.
Millennium Development Goals and timeline
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are a series of eight targets with a deadline of 2015 for their achievement. The targets range from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal primary education.
One critical failure of the MDGs was the exclusion, for political reasons, of sexual and reproductive health and rights. This was partially addressed in 2006 when ‘universal access to reproductive health care, including family planning, assisted childbirth and prevention of sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS’ was finally included under MDG 5. There is still no MDG dealing specifically with the needs and welfare of young people.
About MXit
MXit is a free instant messaging program for both mobile phones and PCs. It allows members to chat to other MXit users anywhere in the world. It also allows users to send text messages to and from mobile phones and PCs using GPRS or 3G instead of using standard SMS technology, which is expensive.
The social networking element of the business is the cornerstone of its growth. MXit is a new generation company that boasts over 13 million members globally and is growing by 18 000 users per day. It is in constant evolution to match the needs of its users and is set on becoming one of the biggest instant messaging mobile networks in the world and the preferred mobile social network for communicating with young people in South East Asia, Africa and globally.
The company introduced mobile instant messaging to South Africa . It started as a mobile game developer and evolved into a mobile instant messaging company, allowing its users to send messages at a fraction of the cost of traditional SMS.
To download MXit: Open your mobile browser, type in www.mxit.com/wap and simply follow the prompts.
________________________________________________________
Victoria Webster
Consultant
Trimedia UK
29 - 35 Lexington Street, London, W1F 9AH
Switch: +44 (0)20 7025 7500
Direct: +44 (0)20 7025 7569
Mobile : +44 (0)7947 922 100
Email: victoria.webster@trimediauk.com
Holmes World Report: Best Multicountry Agency to Work For
European Excellence Awards: PR Company of the Year
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Mandinka proverb blog
For those interested in some nostalgic proverbial words and phrases check out the blog dedicated to that. At http://mandinkatalinwo.blogspot.com/.
Please let other know so that we can put our heads together and spread the ancient wise words.
comment on the meanings and occasion such words are deemed appropriate. We can strengthen our culture and enrich it by committing the words to electronic media exchange. It wouldn't take much of your leisure time.
Please let other know so that we can put our heads together and spread the ancient wise words.
comment on the meanings and occasion such words are deemed appropriate. We can strengthen our culture and enrich it by committing the words to electronic media exchange. It wouldn't take much of your leisure time.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
A song for peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-2wdWvcrm8&feature=related
a simple but powerful song on world at war. the global peace wars!
Gaza tonight. This pictures are real. yes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQrJndpbzc&feature=related
a simple but powerful song on world at war. the global peace wars!
Gaza tonight. This pictures are real. yes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GQrJndpbzc&feature=related
Gaza Tonight by Micheal Heart. a top song
This song embodies the oneness of human beings. Whilst the world leaders tries to look good for the cameras and the world press, countless human beings are killed for supremacy and blantant evil.
Micheal Heart breaks the boundery of being a glamorous rock musician. he stood his ground by composing a song which will offend a lot of record companies. God bless him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbr8LBR5k-8&NR=1
THE VIDEO IS MANY CLASSIC FORMS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-RYm2FczbM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mySEGZBkHvk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mySEGZBkHvk&feature=related
Micheal Heart breaks the boundery of being a glamorous rock musician. he stood his ground by composing a song which will offend a lot of record companies. God bless him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbr8LBR5k-8&NR=1
THE VIDEO IS MANY CLASSIC FORMS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-RYm2FczbM&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mySEGZBkHvk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mySEGZBkHvk&feature=related
Halifa's Book
I have received Halifa's book yesterday. I will try to find time in reading it and sharing my thought on its content. Some may fear that, i will be unduly critical of the author. But in all honesty, i will be fair and balance in how i see Pan-Africanism and how Halifa tries to share his thoughts with us.
The book on a glance is typical of the PDOIS philosophical ways of doing things. The cover is very cheaply done, with inexpensive materials utilised. This is a good indication of the PDOIS leadership believing in their ideology of controlling wastage and being prudent.
The saying that "do not judge the book by its cover" is very relevant here. The cover is so cheap, the content must compensate that. I hope. For me, it will be a big journey in uncovering Pan-Us by Halifa.
The book on a glance is typical of the PDOIS philosophical ways of doing things. The cover is very cheaply done, with inexpensive materials utilised. This is a good indication of the PDOIS leadership believing in their ideology of controlling wastage and being prudent.
The saying that "do not judge the book by its cover" is very relevant here. The cover is so cheap, the content must compensate that. I hope. For me, it will be a big journey in uncovering Pan-Us by Halifa.
Female Circumcision lecture by Amie Bojang
I was forwarded a video lecture by Amie Bojang on Female Circumcision. It was a well presented lecture. She opined that their approach is always to respect the community and deliver the message in traditional manners.
That may be true, but one cannot miss the fierce confrontation between Amie and co with community leaders in the past. I thought she was going to mention the unpalatable confrontation she and others had with the likes of the late Abdou Gitteh and co.
The Gambia is a traditional cultural society, winning the hearts of the men and women in the country will likely depends of the skills employ in passing a message. Amie and co shouldn't be defensive and blame the religious leaders for hampering the efforts. Societies revolves around a tradition, even those societies that thought they have no tradition ends up finding ways and means to locate one.
When things fall apart and children lose their ways, then the requirement for tradition is all the more important. For Female Circumcision to be abolish, the courts can do very little in stopping it. The message should be delivered by a panel of men and women. The frontal onslaught by women alone will yield little fruits. The organisation need to hide away their association with external foreign agencies who are taking the credit for the methods and the funds use to deliver the message. Gambians like other nationals have always suspected NGO's. One can cite countries like Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia etc where NGO's are mistrust and unwelcome by the tribal people. NGO's use means that are clearly against lots of cultural practices, that evident methods alone disqualifies them in the eye of the people.
This is Amie's vidoe: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4795686703191031896
That may be true, but one cannot miss the fierce confrontation between Amie and co with community leaders in the past. I thought she was going to mention the unpalatable confrontation she and others had with the likes of the late Abdou Gitteh and co.
The Gambia is a traditional cultural society, winning the hearts of the men and women in the country will likely depends of the skills employ in passing a message. Amie and co shouldn't be defensive and blame the religious leaders for hampering the efforts. Societies revolves around a tradition, even those societies that thought they have no tradition ends up finding ways and means to locate one.
When things fall apart and children lose their ways, then the requirement for tradition is all the more important. For Female Circumcision to be abolish, the courts can do very little in stopping it. The message should be delivered by a panel of men and women. The frontal onslaught by women alone will yield little fruits. The organisation need to hide away their association with external foreign agencies who are taking the credit for the methods and the funds use to deliver the message. Gambians like other nationals have always suspected NGO's. One can cite countries like Egypt, Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia etc where NGO's are mistrust and unwelcome by the tribal people. NGO's use means that are clearly against lots of cultural practices, that evident methods alone disqualifies them in the eye of the people.
This is Amie's vidoe: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4795686703191031896
Sunday, 7 June 2009
AN INTERESTING WEBSITE FOR THOSE SEEKING TO KNOW ISLAM
http://www.islamicinvitationcentre.com/articles/Introduction/women/Women.html
Must of the site content are educative and moderate. Those trying to castigate Islam should know about it first before making errorenous and peddling lies.
Islam is a rational faith and accept divergent views.
Must of the site content are educative and moderate. Those trying to castigate Islam should know about it first before making errorenous and peddling lies.
Islam is a rational faith and accept divergent views.
Saturday, 6 June 2009
Female Circumcision. Time To do Away With It
A RETHINK: THE MANDINGO, FULA AND JOLA COMMUNITY ON FEMALE CIRCUMCISION, by Suntou Touray
The nature of this short discussion is very sensitive and has the potential of tinkling on some raw nerves. But like any subject, discussions open doors to tangible solutions and the fostering of mutual understanding.
The topic under discussion is pertaining to the practice and culture of female circumcision which is inherently an over-killed subject. With regards to mentioning the above tribes, the fact that mustering the courage and will to ignite a mature discussion on such a grave sensitive issue – the practice of female circumcision; underlying the very fundamental settings of our Gambian society (our culture), contextual to religion (Islam) is worth engaging in this 21st Century that our generation seems to be reliving.
The practice of male circumcision is rooted in the two Abarahamanic religions of Islam and Judaism. Religious commentators narrated the religious reason why male circumcision was authorised by God and also some health benefits are cited to further give much needed impetus to the practice. Those of us who underwent the practice felt pain but overall, the gains are much more than the pain.
The practice for female circumcision is however less rooted in any religion, it is basically cultural. That claim may raise some controversy especially those who use statements attributed to the Prophet Muhammad’s advice to a female practitioner conducting the surgery. The claim is that, the Prophet (SAW) came across a woman who practices circumcision and he told her “when you do it, don’t cut too deep”. This means, he did not condemn or ban her from doing the surgery but tolerated her to carry on but on condition that she avoid denying the women the right to experience pleasure. Islamic scholars use two terminologies for describing female circumcision. One being kihifaadh- this is the tolerated version of circumcision where a bit is taken off the genitalia, whilst kihtan is the pharaohnic practice of taking off nearly all the clitoris. The argument is that, female circumcision is accepted by Islam although not a requirement in measuring anyone’s spirituality.
In the scholarly circles, there are supporters and campaigners against the practice on both sides. Each tries to use some evidence to back their claims. But the reality is that, female circumcision was not initiated by Islam. It was more or less practice by many cultures in the pre-Islamic era. Islam tolerating it doesn’t mean there is any religious significance to the practice. It is not a sin whether a woman is circumcised or not. However, the voices against the practice in Islam stood on a more solid ground. Islam today is attack by lolly Polly critic for allowing female circumcision to go on. They also argued that women are harmed and denied the God-given right to enjoy full sexual life unobstructed like men.
The Mandingo, Fula and Jola tribes practice the act, dating back to centuries. The onslaught of campaigners against female circumcision has taken momentum due the persistence and rational argument injected in the debate. On my little part, I detest to the languages use by the anti-female circumcision campaigners. They need to realise that changing an old age tradition, is like dealing with a cancerous tumour; hence scores of years went by to build up malignancy. Thus wining the hearts and minds of people is relevant with regards to the ways and manners of communicating with the various tribes involved on such a sensitive issue. Choice of words becomes a crucial asset in addressing the impact it has on society.
Use of obscene languages, undervaluing their intelligence, level of ignorance and blunt statements only increase the resolve of the communities practising it. They will continue to do it out of defiance even when the government outlawed it, for that’s how deep rooted it is in them. The anti-female circumcision campaigners should engage in dialogue with the Mandingos, Fulas and Jolas with the initiative of promoting the good cultural practices, value their opinions and encourage those who took positive steps towards its elimination.
The ounce is on them to put their case forward and argue it whilst maintaining an open mind to the counter arguments. There are many uncircumcised women who are religious and hold the sanctity of their moral ethics high. Thus female circumcision doesn’t seem to have any effect on the “life style” of our sisters. Their morality and spirituality by way of virtue is defined by access to education, good parenting, loving and caring environment and the overall opportunity society accorded them. Circumcise or not, when one is incline to indulge in immoral activities, she will find ways and means to do it.
The society in general determines the kind of men and women that it breeds. A decent, educated, religious, respectful and law abiding society makes good citizens and decent human beings. Circumcising the females will count little if the overall moral ethics of the men and women in a given society is at low ebb. Males as well as females hold equal stakes in abstaining from promiscuity and the decaying of high held cultural morals, norms and values. Women alone cannot be single out as the key figures in making our society moral and decent.
The fundamental goal attainment by Gambian tribes (those specifically mentioned above) that practice female circumcision is to lessen the highly sensual nature of un-circumcised woman. The accusation is that un-circumcised women are highly sensual; less inhibited, may indulge more in promiscuous activity and will do anything to get a man. The misconception here is that it takes two to tangle; men are willing and capable players in all heterosexual encounters.
It’s interesting to note the extreme length, our grandmothers and aunties are so much deep into this tradition; they will circumcise relative’s children without actually telling them only to know of it at the latter part of the ceremony. In some instances a young mother is being pressured to such an extent that, she succumbs to the monumental weight of old customs irrelevant to her daughter’s well-being to avoid societal negation as being the odd one out.
The call is for the Mandingo, Fula and Jola tribes to rethink about the practice, open up to new ideas, have a dialogue with their own daughters specifically those who has attain formal education and has undergone the practice; it impact, how has it reshape their lives, their marriages, what is their cry, what would have been an option if they were given one. The words and methods used by the anti-FGM campaigners shouldn’t be a reason to close doors and refuse to engage in dialogue.
FGM is considered as an extreme method of circumcising young females, this is by using instruments that are inappropriate and result in the removal of good part of the clitoris. Whilst circumcision is where the tip of the clitoris is taken off. So when the anti-circumcision campaigners use mutilation, it sends a wrong signal to the local community, for they know, what they are doing is not mutilation but circumcision which is model to that of the males.
Furthermore, every advance society hopes to accomplish something better and relevant than, hanging onto traditions that are counterproductive in the future happiness of siblings. Most women in our respective community are aware of the burden some cultural practices have on them, therefore, all stakeholders should do their bit moving away from practices such as female circumcision.
Thus complementary to the practice of female circumcision such as teaching the young females to be respectful specially to elders, good manners, moral ethics, religious and virtues of hard work that will prepare them for the tough challenges of life can be maintain and included in the wider parenting network. These and many more in totality are viable and less stressful methods that can be device to impact such traditions.
It is not a betrayal to our ancestry, good cultures and traditions that we talk about this issues and try to do away with what our ancient societies practice. A proud Mandingo I am, but being blind to irrelevant cultural practices is dangerous and backward. I hope we the young generation can advance beyond this practice and find tangible ways to maintain manners and good ethics in our communities, enactment of laws against the practice will do a little in its elimination. It is conducted such that, law enforcement officers will not be aware of it occurrence, so it us that can unite against it.
Part two to come later. That will deal with the cultural significance and the religious undertone attributed to the practice. May God guide our actions. Ameen.
suntou@btinternet.com
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com
The nature of this short discussion is very sensitive and has the potential of tinkling on some raw nerves. But like any subject, discussions open doors to tangible solutions and the fostering of mutual understanding.
The topic under discussion is pertaining to the practice and culture of female circumcision which is inherently an over-killed subject. With regards to mentioning the above tribes, the fact that mustering the courage and will to ignite a mature discussion on such a grave sensitive issue – the practice of female circumcision; underlying the very fundamental settings of our Gambian society (our culture), contextual to religion (Islam) is worth engaging in this 21st Century that our generation seems to be reliving.
The practice of male circumcision is rooted in the two Abarahamanic religions of Islam and Judaism. Religious commentators narrated the religious reason why male circumcision was authorised by God and also some health benefits are cited to further give much needed impetus to the practice. Those of us who underwent the practice felt pain but overall, the gains are much more than the pain.
The practice for female circumcision is however less rooted in any religion, it is basically cultural. That claim may raise some controversy especially those who use statements attributed to the Prophet Muhammad’s advice to a female practitioner conducting the surgery. The claim is that, the Prophet (SAW) came across a woman who practices circumcision and he told her “when you do it, don’t cut too deep”. This means, he did not condemn or ban her from doing the surgery but tolerated her to carry on but on condition that she avoid denying the women the right to experience pleasure. Islamic scholars use two terminologies for describing female circumcision. One being kihifaadh- this is the tolerated version of circumcision where a bit is taken off the genitalia, whilst kihtan is the pharaohnic practice of taking off nearly all the clitoris. The argument is that, female circumcision is accepted by Islam although not a requirement in measuring anyone’s spirituality.
In the scholarly circles, there are supporters and campaigners against the practice on both sides. Each tries to use some evidence to back their claims. But the reality is that, female circumcision was not initiated by Islam. It was more or less practice by many cultures in the pre-Islamic era. Islam tolerating it doesn’t mean there is any religious significance to the practice. It is not a sin whether a woman is circumcised or not. However, the voices against the practice in Islam stood on a more solid ground. Islam today is attack by lolly Polly critic for allowing female circumcision to go on. They also argued that women are harmed and denied the God-given right to enjoy full sexual life unobstructed like men.
The Mandingo, Fula and Jola tribes practice the act, dating back to centuries. The onslaught of campaigners against female circumcision has taken momentum due the persistence and rational argument injected in the debate. On my little part, I detest to the languages use by the anti-female circumcision campaigners. They need to realise that changing an old age tradition, is like dealing with a cancerous tumour; hence scores of years went by to build up malignancy. Thus wining the hearts and minds of people is relevant with regards to the ways and manners of communicating with the various tribes involved on such a sensitive issue. Choice of words becomes a crucial asset in addressing the impact it has on society.
Use of obscene languages, undervaluing their intelligence, level of ignorance and blunt statements only increase the resolve of the communities practising it. They will continue to do it out of defiance even when the government outlawed it, for that’s how deep rooted it is in them. The anti-female circumcision campaigners should engage in dialogue with the Mandingos, Fulas and Jolas with the initiative of promoting the good cultural practices, value their opinions and encourage those who took positive steps towards its elimination.
The ounce is on them to put their case forward and argue it whilst maintaining an open mind to the counter arguments. There are many uncircumcised women who are religious and hold the sanctity of their moral ethics high. Thus female circumcision doesn’t seem to have any effect on the “life style” of our sisters. Their morality and spirituality by way of virtue is defined by access to education, good parenting, loving and caring environment and the overall opportunity society accorded them. Circumcise or not, when one is incline to indulge in immoral activities, she will find ways and means to do it.
The society in general determines the kind of men and women that it breeds. A decent, educated, religious, respectful and law abiding society makes good citizens and decent human beings. Circumcising the females will count little if the overall moral ethics of the men and women in a given society is at low ebb. Males as well as females hold equal stakes in abstaining from promiscuity and the decaying of high held cultural morals, norms and values. Women alone cannot be single out as the key figures in making our society moral and decent.
The fundamental goal attainment by Gambian tribes (those specifically mentioned above) that practice female circumcision is to lessen the highly sensual nature of un-circumcised woman. The accusation is that un-circumcised women are highly sensual; less inhibited, may indulge more in promiscuous activity and will do anything to get a man. The misconception here is that it takes two to tangle; men are willing and capable players in all heterosexual encounters.
It’s interesting to note the extreme length, our grandmothers and aunties are so much deep into this tradition; they will circumcise relative’s children without actually telling them only to know of it at the latter part of the ceremony. In some instances a young mother is being pressured to such an extent that, she succumbs to the monumental weight of old customs irrelevant to her daughter’s well-being to avoid societal negation as being the odd one out.
The call is for the Mandingo, Fula and Jola tribes to rethink about the practice, open up to new ideas, have a dialogue with their own daughters specifically those who has attain formal education and has undergone the practice; it impact, how has it reshape their lives, their marriages, what is their cry, what would have been an option if they were given one. The words and methods used by the anti-FGM campaigners shouldn’t be a reason to close doors and refuse to engage in dialogue.
FGM is considered as an extreme method of circumcising young females, this is by using instruments that are inappropriate and result in the removal of good part of the clitoris. Whilst circumcision is where the tip of the clitoris is taken off. So when the anti-circumcision campaigners use mutilation, it sends a wrong signal to the local community, for they know, what they are doing is not mutilation but circumcision which is model to that of the males.
Furthermore, every advance society hopes to accomplish something better and relevant than, hanging onto traditions that are counterproductive in the future happiness of siblings. Most women in our respective community are aware of the burden some cultural practices have on them, therefore, all stakeholders should do their bit moving away from practices such as female circumcision.
Thus complementary to the practice of female circumcision such as teaching the young females to be respectful specially to elders, good manners, moral ethics, religious and virtues of hard work that will prepare them for the tough challenges of life can be maintain and included in the wider parenting network. These and many more in totality are viable and less stressful methods that can be device to impact such traditions.
It is not a betrayal to our ancestry, good cultures and traditions that we talk about this issues and try to do away with what our ancient societies practice. A proud Mandingo I am, but being blind to irrelevant cultural practices is dangerous and backward. I hope we the young generation can advance beyond this practice and find tangible ways to maintain manners and good ethics in our communities, enactment of laws against the practice will do a little in its elimination. It is conducted such that, law enforcement officers will not be aware of it occurrence, so it us that can unite against it.
Part two to come later. That will deal with the cultural significance and the religious undertone attributed to the practice. May God guide our actions. Ameen.
suntou@btinternet.com
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com
SKULLS AND BONES
A poem of mess
Of lasting pain
Symbol of deadly orders
Obedience to self-interest
Of the sacred oats
Tongue slicing
Sudden accidental deaths
So is the system
As the old poet says
‘The system is a fraud’
‘The system is a grave yard’
Stupid sense of patriotism
A misunderstanding of the word
Killing to please for the socall messiah
Why my skull?
Skulls of innocent bystanders
Taken on mere suspicion
For the preservation of might
To continue throne-ing forever
Extinguishing the lights of good men
The Bones of men
To deter the mind of would be threats
Of even thinking about talking, writing and communicating
In dissenting vibes
Oh you the skuller
Day by day, the force of nature stares at you
Wild and bitter
Pointing its venoms
‘The bastard shall have his day’
Under our grip
All the skulls and bones of the innocent
United and ready to take revenge
In the dark cold pit
Surrounded by networks of wild fires
No more aid’s to depend on
Just you the gone skuller, in the face of obscurity
Damn you, you men of twisted souls
By Suntou Bolonba Touray
Friday, 5 June 2009
EXCERPTS FROM THE BLACK LIBERATION DAY SPEECH IN U.K
HALIFA SALLAH written from a DVD recording 2007/08
When you don’t know your history, you have “...blind destiny”.
“Liberation is a question of assertion of the human being”.
Liberation is not an academic exercise, it is not about sentiment.
When people fail to understand his/her history, they are have blind destiny. They live and die without a purpose. Society is indicted for the ills of human beings.
Black people who came to the west for higher education find out that after achieving higher education and success, they don’t have any respect.
Banks are guilty of making society poor.
The reason for black self-hate is lack of understanding who they are.
Our conception should be to understand the past in order to be able to mould the future.
It is important we compare people in history so we can know who we are. Artefacts alone are not sufficient for Africans to claim a civilisation.
It is vital Africans know their history and other people’s history and compare them.
Trade built Europe. It is a myth that Europeans civilised Africans. Europe was bust fighting each other.
Slavery trade was all about access to raw materials.
The shackles and chains are a testimony that Africans were forced into slavery. Resistance cause white slave traders to device forceful means.
Slavery resistance gave birth to the struggle for freedom.
Slaves were engine for western development
Industrialisation leads to western arrogance.
Britain did not abolish slavery trade due to human rights reasons, industrialisation did.
Africans were divided by making the weaker kings united against stringer kings.
U.S assist Portugal subjugate Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.
The lack of self-consciousness lead to western domination of Africans not military might.
It is for the benefit of industrialist to stop slavery.
Mental slavery was implemented by making laws to openly discriminate against black. So that people can feel inferior of themselves without realising it. ‘Apartheid, segregation in U.S and class system in Britain.’
Banks revenues were gain from factories that process raw materials from slave labour. This in turn boosts the investment in science, education, the social system etc.
‘The black man is not the white man’s burden. My emphasis.’
When you don’t know your history, you have “...blind destiny”.
“Liberation is a question of assertion of the human being”.
Liberation is not an academic exercise, it is not about sentiment.
When people fail to understand his/her history, they are have blind destiny. They live and die without a purpose. Society is indicted for the ills of human beings.
Black people who came to the west for higher education find out that after achieving higher education and success, they don’t have any respect.
Banks are guilty of making society poor.
The reason for black self-hate is lack of understanding who they are.
Our conception should be to understand the past in order to be able to mould the future.
It is important we compare people in history so we can know who we are. Artefacts alone are not sufficient for Africans to claim a civilisation.
It is vital Africans know their history and other people’s history and compare them.
Trade built Europe. It is a myth that Europeans civilised Africans. Europe was bust fighting each other.
Slavery trade was all about access to raw materials.
The shackles and chains are a testimony that Africans were forced into slavery. Resistance cause white slave traders to device forceful means.
Slavery resistance gave birth to the struggle for freedom.
Slaves were engine for western development
Industrialisation leads to western arrogance.
Britain did not abolish slavery trade due to human rights reasons, industrialisation did.
Africans were divided by making the weaker kings united against stringer kings.
U.S assist Portugal subjugate Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.
The lack of self-consciousness lead to western domination of Africans not military might.
It is for the benefit of industrialist to stop slavery.
Mental slavery was implemented by making laws to openly discriminate against black. So that people can feel inferior of themselves without realising it. ‘Apartheid, segregation in U.S and class system in Britain.’
Banks revenues were gain from factories that process raw materials from slave labour. This in turn boosts the investment in science, education, the social system etc.
‘The black man is not the white man’s burden. My emphasis.’
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Part 2 of Distorted history of Islam.
The Arguments of Pro-Traditionalist Against Islam In Senegambia:
It is evident that, some proud black Africans are bitter about the prevalence of the Islamic religion in some part of Africa, especially the SeneGambia region. Their grievances are based on the argument that, the Muslim expansionist soldiers over-ran the peaceful and successful traditional rulers and force convert people to Islam.
Indeed Islam came to Senegambia and other parts of the world, but not mainly by the military means that is so blown out of proportion by critics. The Senegambia region witness what historians classified as peaceful preaching (Thomas Arnold 1896). Traders did the preaching, they were not in any position to force convert people. Accepting that argument is akin to ridiculing the social fabrics that existed with our ancestors. It is like saying that, our ancestors were so weak; a couple Arab with swords knocks on their doors and force them to accept Islam. This is a baseless argument.
The historian De Lacy O’leary quiet clearly expose the untruth against the religion of Islam by those who only condemn the religion as a fanatical and sword wielding faith.
De Lacy in his book ‘Islam at the cross Road’ page 8 states that “history makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”
The main teaching of Islam forbids the use of force to convert people. Allah the Almighty states about Prophet Muhammad that, “if you were harsh and hard hearted, all those who come around you will have abandon you”. The statement here convey multiple of messages, one being that if the Prophet Muhammad was mean and ruthless to his people, they would have ran away from him and join forces with those promoting idolatry.
Islam with all its tolerance and softness stand firm against the promotion and open committing of evil and sinful shameful actions. It’s enforced strict codes of ethic against social immorality and the decadence in society. That firmness also triggers claims of injustice and tyranny against the Muslims, yet the general query of civilise society today and that of politicians in particular is to bring in harsh laws against the many crimes and social ills.
Muslim did went into Spain and rule it for close to 700 years, the sword wasn’t use to convert people. In fact Jews came to Spain to be under the rule of Muslim, but when the Crusader King ordered the overthrow of the Muslims, no single Muslim was spared, you either leave or die.
In Egypt and other Arab countries were Islam is the major religion, there are over 14 Million Coptic Christians who inherited the religion from generation to generation bearing testimony to Islam not being a sword wielding religion. Those Coptics could have been forced to abandon their faith or die if that was the main reason of the Muslim rulers.
In India more than 80% of the population is non-Muslim, yet that country was ruled by Muslims for over 600 years. Why didn’t they killed or forced convert every one?
I keep citing Indonesia and Malaysia on many occasion, because it is the two countries were Arabs have little connection with. Yet Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. No single Muslim army went in those countries with or without a sword. The Japanese tries to subjugate them and kill their spirit but couldn’t, the British tries also to make them change their faith and life style but couldn’t succeed just like the early Missionaries did in the Gambia.
Many promising young Muslim pupils were coaxed to enter Christianity to gain scholarship and higher education. Some of this Muslim pupil accepted the offer, only to later recant Christianity. Among this people are David Jawara (DK), Andrew Camara (Hasan Musa), Paul Bah, and many others.
Thomas Carlyle, the historian and biographer who wrote the book, ‘Heroes and Hero worship’, made it clear that, the misconception about Islam is deliberate. He said:
The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believe it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.” Thomas Carlyle.
How can the sword be use by a minority against the majority? In Senegambia as well, the Islamic activist that ended up revolting against the traditional rulers did that because of the continuous injustices by the traditional rulers. People always when given the opportunity support uprising against tyrants.
The main reference book for Muslims, the Qur’an speaks against forcing people to accept Islam. In fact forced conversion is tantamount to no conversion in shariah. The Qur’an Chapter (2:256) states that “let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stand out clear from error.” Islam which means complete submission to will of God should not be done under duress.
The Qur’an extols muslims to engage in intelligent discussions in matters of religion with those who erroneously attack Islam on false pretext. It recommends dialogue in chapter 16:125 “invite all to the way of your lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
But since Islamaphobes aren’t interested in clear statements like the two verses above, they practiced what is now commonly referred to as ‘taking verses out of context and joining them with others verses’ to provide a wrongful meaning, thus deliberately creating misconception.
This is why Dr Adam Pearson made the statement that, “people worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fails to realise that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day Muhammad (pbuh) was born”.
The key labels against a section of the Muslim community:
It is no secret that role the media plays in fanning the war of words against Muslims. Some experts states that, the global media power house is control by 8% of conglomerates across the world, mainly shadowy influential people. This people have an agenda which must not be underrated. The culture of twenty four hours news demands events of shocking magnitudes to liven the various news networks.
Fundamentalist:
That word is very important statement in every profession. Dr Zakir Naik eloquently stated that, in every profession, practitioners must follow and adheres to the fundamentals of the “doctrine or theory” of that profession. A good doctor, lawyer, teacher, accountant, engineer etc all must follow, adhere to the fundamental principle and ethics of their chosen profession.
Now when the debate falls in religious arena, eyebrows are raised. Fundamentalism is categorised as the same in the media and security circles. This means fundamentalism in religion is straight forward bad and frowns upon. The debate usually swift back and forth in western circles to include phrases like, ‘they hate our freedom, they hate our democracy, they hate our life style, our development etc.’ who hate who and why? The labelling and discussion is sounded so loud, no one has the time to ask, who hates who and why?
Just like George Bush said in 2000, you are either in support of the definitions advanced from their angle or you don’t. No middle ground. Is this how prosecutions exist in civilise law courts? Harden criminals are accorded the liberty to defend themselves in front of a judge and the notion that ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is entitled to murderers, rapist, paedophiles, corporate bandits, drug dealers, etc. Yet people of religion are blanket-ly tagged extremist and fundamentalist on superficial grounds lacking clear definitions.
Definition of fundamentalist:
Oxford dictionary defines the words as ‘the strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam.’ This definition provided the impetus for all to see only Muslims as fundamentalist.
In fact, the Webster dictionary refers the word to 20th century protestant Christian movement in America, which occur due to the reaction to modernity. Their stance is based on the notion that the bible is infallible in all areas of life and that it is the literal word of God. Aren’t these types of Christian around today? Aren’t they the now ‘born again’ evangelist groups or more appropriately ‘televangelist’ performing miracles and redeeming souls, so they claim?
When it serves the media and politicians, they give different tags to the same actions. People using war to fight for liberations are either freedom fighters or rebel and now the terrorist bandwagon is more commonly used. The American war of independence was duped acts of terror by the British but the American populace refer to the fighters as ‘patriots’.
Similar statements applies to the Moa Moa movement in Kenya, the South African fight for equality. Mandela was branded a terrorist by both Reagan and Thatcher, yet we Africans called him a freedom fighter. The Indian struggle for independence also triggers the British to call the resistant fighters terrorist whilst the Indians duped them hero’s.
However, the contrast in the use of words demarcate at the reasoning behind each conflict situation. The fight on secular basis and with secular agenda is different fighting on a religious front and a religious slogan. Mandela is a secular politician, Washington was a secular leader, Ghandi was a religious figure but his doctrine discourages violence etc.
Is all the negative terms against Muslims the broader struggle of a secularisation of the worlds? Or is it what some writers referred to as the ‘Whiteman’s burden’.
It is evident that, some proud black Africans are bitter about the prevalence of the Islamic religion in some part of Africa, especially the SeneGambia region. Their grievances are based on the argument that, the Muslim expansionist soldiers over-ran the peaceful and successful traditional rulers and force convert people to Islam.
Indeed Islam came to Senegambia and other parts of the world, but not mainly by the military means that is so blown out of proportion by critics. The Senegambia region witness what historians classified as peaceful preaching (Thomas Arnold 1896). Traders did the preaching, they were not in any position to force convert people. Accepting that argument is akin to ridiculing the social fabrics that existed with our ancestors. It is like saying that, our ancestors were so weak; a couple Arab with swords knocks on their doors and force them to accept Islam. This is a baseless argument.
The historian De Lacy O’leary quiet clearly expose the untruth against the religion of Islam by those who only condemn the religion as a fanatical and sword wielding faith.
De Lacy in his book ‘Islam at the cross Road’ page 8 states that “history makes it clear however, that the legend of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myth that historians have ever repeated.”
The main teaching of Islam forbids the use of force to convert people. Allah the Almighty states about Prophet Muhammad that, “if you were harsh and hard hearted, all those who come around you will have abandon you”. The statement here convey multiple of messages, one being that if the Prophet Muhammad was mean and ruthless to his people, they would have ran away from him and join forces with those promoting idolatry.
Islam with all its tolerance and softness stand firm against the promotion and open committing of evil and sinful shameful actions. It’s enforced strict codes of ethic against social immorality and the decadence in society. That firmness also triggers claims of injustice and tyranny against the Muslims, yet the general query of civilise society today and that of politicians in particular is to bring in harsh laws against the many crimes and social ills.
Muslim did went into Spain and rule it for close to 700 years, the sword wasn’t use to convert people. In fact Jews came to Spain to be under the rule of Muslim, but when the Crusader King ordered the overthrow of the Muslims, no single Muslim was spared, you either leave or die.
In Egypt and other Arab countries were Islam is the major religion, there are over 14 Million Coptic Christians who inherited the religion from generation to generation bearing testimony to Islam not being a sword wielding religion. Those Coptics could have been forced to abandon their faith or die if that was the main reason of the Muslim rulers.
In India more than 80% of the population is non-Muslim, yet that country was ruled by Muslims for over 600 years. Why didn’t they killed or forced convert every one?
I keep citing Indonesia and Malaysia on many occasion, because it is the two countries were Arabs have little connection with. Yet Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. No single Muslim army went in those countries with or without a sword. The Japanese tries to subjugate them and kill their spirit but couldn’t, the British tries also to make them change their faith and life style but couldn’t succeed just like the early Missionaries did in the Gambia.
Many promising young Muslim pupils were coaxed to enter Christianity to gain scholarship and higher education. Some of this Muslim pupil accepted the offer, only to later recant Christianity. Among this people are David Jawara (DK), Andrew Camara (Hasan Musa), Paul Bah, and many others.
Thomas Carlyle, the historian and biographer who wrote the book, ‘Heroes and Hero worship’, made it clear that, the misconception about Islam is deliberate. He said:
The sword indeed, but where will you get your sword? Every new opinion, at its starting is precisely in a minority of one. In one man’s head alone. There it dwells as yet. One man alone of the whole world believe it, there is one man against all men. That he takes a sword and try to propagate with that, will do little for him. You must get your sword! On the whole, a thing will propagate itself as it can.” Thomas Carlyle.
How can the sword be use by a minority against the majority? In Senegambia as well, the Islamic activist that ended up revolting against the traditional rulers did that because of the continuous injustices by the traditional rulers. People always when given the opportunity support uprising against tyrants.
The main reference book for Muslims, the Qur’an speaks against forcing people to accept Islam. In fact forced conversion is tantamount to no conversion in shariah. The Qur’an Chapter (2:256) states that “let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stand out clear from error.” Islam which means complete submission to will of God should not be done under duress.
The Qur’an extols muslims to engage in intelligent discussions in matters of religion with those who erroneously attack Islam on false pretext. It recommends dialogue in chapter 16:125 “invite all to the way of your lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious.”
But since Islamaphobes aren’t interested in clear statements like the two verses above, they practiced what is now commonly referred to as ‘taking verses out of context and joining them with others verses’ to provide a wrongful meaning, thus deliberately creating misconception.
This is why Dr Adam Pearson made the statement that, “people worry that nuclear weaponry will one day fall in the hands of the Arabs, fails to realise that the Islamic bomb has been dropped already, it fell the day Muhammad (pbuh) was born”.
The key labels against a section of the Muslim community:
It is no secret that role the media plays in fanning the war of words against Muslims. Some experts states that, the global media power house is control by 8% of conglomerates across the world, mainly shadowy influential people. This people have an agenda which must not be underrated. The culture of twenty four hours news demands events of shocking magnitudes to liven the various news networks.
Fundamentalist:
That word is very important statement in every profession. Dr Zakir Naik eloquently stated that, in every profession, practitioners must follow and adheres to the fundamentals of the “doctrine or theory” of that profession. A good doctor, lawyer, teacher, accountant, engineer etc all must follow, adhere to the fundamental principle and ethics of their chosen profession.
Now when the debate falls in religious arena, eyebrows are raised. Fundamentalism is categorised as the same in the media and security circles. This means fundamentalism in religion is straight forward bad and frowns upon. The debate usually swift back and forth in western circles to include phrases like, ‘they hate our freedom, they hate our democracy, they hate our life style, our development etc.’ who hate who and why? The labelling and discussion is sounded so loud, no one has the time to ask, who hates who and why?
Just like George Bush said in 2000, you are either in support of the definitions advanced from their angle or you don’t. No middle ground. Is this how prosecutions exist in civilise law courts? Harden criminals are accorded the liberty to defend themselves in front of a judge and the notion that ‘innocent until proven guilty’ is entitled to murderers, rapist, paedophiles, corporate bandits, drug dealers, etc. Yet people of religion are blanket-ly tagged extremist and fundamentalist on superficial grounds lacking clear definitions.
Definition of fundamentalist:
Oxford dictionary defines the words as ‘the strict maintenance of ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion, especially Islam.’ This definition provided the impetus for all to see only Muslims as fundamentalist.
In fact, the Webster dictionary refers the word to 20th century protestant Christian movement in America, which occur due to the reaction to modernity. Their stance is based on the notion that the bible is infallible in all areas of life and that it is the literal word of God. Aren’t these types of Christian around today? Aren’t they the now ‘born again’ evangelist groups or more appropriately ‘televangelist’ performing miracles and redeeming souls, so they claim?
When it serves the media and politicians, they give different tags to the same actions. People using war to fight for liberations are either freedom fighters or rebel and now the terrorist bandwagon is more commonly used. The American war of independence was duped acts of terror by the British but the American populace refer to the fighters as ‘patriots’.
Similar statements applies to the Moa Moa movement in Kenya, the South African fight for equality. Mandela was branded a terrorist by both Reagan and Thatcher, yet we Africans called him a freedom fighter. The Indian struggle for independence also triggers the British to call the resistant fighters terrorist whilst the Indians duped them hero’s.
However, the contrast in the use of words demarcate at the reasoning behind each conflict situation. The fight on secular basis and with secular agenda is different fighting on a religious front and a religious slogan. Mandela is a secular politician, Washington was a secular leader, Ghandi was a religious figure but his doctrine discourages violence etc.
Is all the negative terms against Muslims the broader struggle of a secularisation of the worlds? Or is it what some writers referred to as the ‘Whiteman’s burden’.
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