Publication date: Thursday, 17th February, 2005
A Christian-founded NGO in the north yesterday said it had withdrawn from NGOs to receive funds to be generated from The Vagina Monologues show, reports Jude Etyang.
Christian Counselling Fellowship (CCF) based in Pader yesterday demonised the play by American author Eve Ensler as an unclean show for people in the north.
CCF director Alice Achan said the organisation could not be associated with a play which promotes immorality and undermines African values.
“We were invited to watch the play and after that receive cheques, but we disassociate ourselves from this money. If they have other programmes which are acceptable to our morals, we shall co-operate,” Achan said.
“How shall we explain this play to Pader girls because they will ask us how we got the money.”
CCF was invited by ActionAid, one of the lead NGOs promoting the play.
Achan said she had forwarded two reports of girls who had been raped and assaulted in the displaced people’s camp.
The promoters of the play argue that it is intended to expose the violence suffered by women.
The Government has, however, opposed the show, saying it destroys the moral fabric of Ugandans.
Achan said CCF rejected the offer after “unearthing” the background of Ensler whom she described as a known lesbian.
“She (Elsner) was encouraging parents to allow their children to play with their private parts during an interview with CNN. She was encouraging children to masturbate, those acts are totally taboo in our culture,” said Achan.
Achan said the content of the play was unclean for Pader people which she described as a vulnerable society with displaced people.
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