Honoring Our Roots, Reclaiming Our Future, Ending Harmful Traditions Through Ancestral Awareness

More than 230 million girls and women alive today are suffering from the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM). This harmful practice occurs primarily in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. While deeply rooted in tradition, FGM offers no health benefits. It is widely recognized as a violation of human rights by the World Health Organization.

At African Ancestry Link, we believe that connecting with your ancestry transcends mere identity. It’s about finding wellness and honoring our roots, while also courageously confronting harmful legacies. FGM is not a rite of passage; rather, it is a trauma. Our commitment lies in shining a light on this grave issue. We advocate for new traditions that protect our girls and foster healing within our communities.

Female Genital Mutilation: The Reality Behind the Ritual

FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the genital organs for non-medical reasons. The WHO states that this procedure most frequently happens to girls between infancy and age 15. The immediate consequences of FGM can be severe. Victims may experience intense bleeding, extreme pain, urinary complications, and, in some cases, even death.

In the long run, the effects can be even more damaging. Survivors may face infections, complications during childbirth, psychological trauma, and diminished sexual health and satisfaction.

A study published in 2017 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information reinforces what survivors have long articulated. It indicates that the psychological impacts of FGM—such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression—can endure for a lifetime. Treating these health consequences could cost approximately $1.4 billion annually. Without significant action, this cost is only projected to rise.

It’s crucial to understand that no religious texts condone FGM. This practice persists due to community pressure, long-standing myths surrounding sexuality and marriage, and misguided beliefs that it is a necessary transition to womanhood. But culture must evolve, especially when it inflicts harm. And it can.

The Power of African Women Leading Change

Our conversation on FGM wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the fierce, visionary African women leading the charge to end this practice. These women include:

• Jaha Dukureh: A survivor and activist from The Gambia, Jaha played a pivotal role in outlawing FGM in her country and founded Safe Hands for Girls.

  
  

• Nice Nailantei Leng’ete: A Kenyan Maasai woman who escaped FGM, Nice now champions girls’ rights through youth mentorship and policy change.

  
  

• Domtila Chesang: As the founder of the I_Rep Foundation, Domtila empowers survivors in Kenya and educates communities about the dangers of FGM.

  
  

These leaders exemplify that cultural pride and progress can coexist. They redefine the essence of heritage by moving away from trauma toward truth and transformation.

Reframing Tradition Through DNA and Ancestral Awareness

At African Ancestry Link, we assist individuals in tracing their lineage, tribe, and migration patterns using DNA analysis. This is because ancestral awareness offers numerous benefits. However, we recognize that this knowledge serves as a mirror. It reflects not only who we are but also what we carry and what we must intentionally choose to heal.

When contemplating legacy, we must ask: Which traditions do we cherish, and which must we release for our healing?

We can replace harmful initiations with life-affirming celebrations such as coming-of-age ceremonies, ancestral storytelling, and communal healing gatherings. Together, we can forge new traditions that elevate our daughters and honor their voices, their power, and their right to exist fully and freely.

Today’s Call: Courage and Clarity

Dear African Ancestry Link community, let's harness our collective voices to challenge silence and acknowledge pain. Ending FGM is not an assault on culture; rather, it is a cultural responsibility. As we reclaim our ancestry, we must also advocate for every Black girl's right to grow up whole, safe, and empowered.

Let our DNA narratives not only reveal our past but also shape our commitment to the future.

Call to Action:

• Join us for an upcoming virtual event, such as our Healing Circle, Diaspora Dialogue, or both!

• Learn more through resources from the World Health Organization.

• Support grassroots leaders like those featured in Global Citizen’s article on FGM activists.

• Share this post, start conversations, and bridge the gap between knowledge and healing.

  
  

Together, let’s break the cycle and create a better future for the next generation.