Efua Dorkenoo

Efua Dorkenoo, OBE (6 September 1949 – 18 October 2014) was a Ghanaian-British activist and an influential figure in the global campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Recognized for her pioneering work in women's health and rights, Dorkenoo played a crucial role in bringing the issue of FGM to international attention, advocating for legislative and policy changes to end the practice.

Early Life and Education

Efua Dorkenoo was born in Cape Coast, Ghana, and moved to the United Kingdom in the 1960s. She pursued her education in nursing and later obtained a master's degree in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, further solidifying her commitment to women's health issues.

Career

Dorkenoo's career spanned several decades, during which she worked tirelessly to combat FGM. She began her activism in the 1980s, initially focusing on the health implications of FGM on women and girls. Her work led her to become a founding member of the Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development (FORWARD), an organization dedicated to gender equality and the eradication of FGM.

In the 1990s, Dorkenoo's advocacy efforts gained momentum. She authored the influential book Cutting the Rose: Female Genital Mutilation: The Practice and its Prevention (1994), which became a seminal text in the fight against FGM. Her work with FORWARD and other organizations helped to raise awareness about the practice, not only as a health issue but also as a violation of human rights.

Dorkenoo's contributions extended beyond grassroots activism. She served as an advisor to the World Health Organization on matters related to FGM, helping to shape global health policies. In recognition of her efforts, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1994.

Legacy

Efua Dorkenoo's legacy is marked by her relentless pursuit of justice for women and girls affected by FGM. She is credited with bringing the issue into the public and political discourse, paving the way for legislative changes in various countries. Her work has inspired a new generation of activists and organizations committed to ending FGM and advancing women's rights.

Dorkenoo passed away in 2014, but her impact continues to be felt worldwide. The strategies and frameworks she developed for combating FGM are still in use today, guiding efforts to eliminate the practice and support survivors.

See Also

• Female Genital Mutilation
• Women's Health
• Human Rights