Did you know that 98% of women
	Did you know that 98% of women in Mali have been subject to excism, or female genital mutilation (fgm) as young girls?  I cannot even imagine all of the consequences, but one consequence that is reported is that this accounts for 75% of maternal deaths during childbirth. This is a very old tradition in many countries in Africa. It was explained to us that at least part of this history was based on the idea that sexual encounters were for the pleasure of, and at the discretion of, men - not women. Sometimes I am embarrased to be a man. Many organizations are working in Africa against excism. One is the NGO that I am supporting, CADIBA.  Another is Amnesty International.