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Jennifer James, founder of Mom Bloggers for Social Good (I am a proud founding member of this wonderful organization), recently published the article “10 Global Development Stories to be Thankful For”. These are stories of success that are inspiring and empowering. One story that sent me throwing my arms up to the sky was about the banning of Female Genitalia Mutilation in Somalia.

The new Somalian government has a new constitution that states: Circumcision of girls is cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture. The circumcision of girls is prohibited. Please see Article 15, Item number four below. 

What is FGM?

World Health Organization defines Female Genitalia Mutilation (FGM) as a practice that “comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”

The practice has been done for centuries and insane as it may sound, FGM is done for religious, cultural and social causes in many parts of the world. Removing the clitoris of a woman will lead to the complete or partial loss of sexual desires. A woman therefore remains "pure" and her virginity is saved for when she gets married. This alone is clearly a violation of a woman's right to decide for her own body and she is left without a choice nor a voice.  

It is unthinkable enough that people could just mutilate helpless young girls, add to that the fact that 90% of the time no anesthesia is used during a clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other extreme procedures including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing. As a woman, I know what extreme torture that could be.

FGM has no benefits to the health and even endangers the life of circumcised women as they become more prone to infections and diseases.

So hearing the news on the banning of FGM in Somalia, I raise my arms up and I thank the universe for the wonderful miracle. The banning of such practice should be done in all parts of the world. The torture of women should stop!

What are you thankful for today? Share with us your stories.

Our current list of readings

• Ballpoint pens (red, blue, black)
• Pencils
• Highlighters
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Colored pencils
• Three-ring binder for Science projects and art work compilation
• Pencil sharpener
• Erasers
• Water-based markers
• White glue
• Composition notebooks
• Spiral-bound notebooks
• Loose notebook papers/fillers
• Folders
• Manila paper
• Construction paper
• Printer paper
• Ink cartridges for the computer
• Ruler with metric measurements
• Scotch tape
• Stapler
• Watercolor paints
• Chalk
• Drawing paper
• Pastel colors
• Crayons
• Permanent markers
• Pain brushes (all sizes)
• Staple wires

We love Mongol but who can refuse these?

He gets painting lessons from both his Papa and his uncle, the artist Harry Jim Herrera

I wouldn't know because I'm not an artist, but the ones who are say this is one of the best kinds

At first I wasn't keen on getting him his own laptop but it made it so much easier for us to  give him tests, readings and even lectures

We insist on doing it the classic way

Oh yes, these we have lots of!

Tablet for some of his readings. Cole knows he can't run away from them

Old ones and new ones all in one colorful place

Attika, our one-year old, loves these dual colored pens

Yep, HP Everyday

A printer and scanner in one comes in very handy for homeschoolers (especially ones donated by aunts). We print test papers and other school records for documentation

Of course, we always end up in this toy box at the end of the day

Manila sunset, Taguig City, airport view, bonifacio global city, the fort, Laguna de Bay, Manila, Philippines

Art by Dani Davis

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