FGM

            "Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the collective name given to several different traditional practices that involve the cutting of female genitals."(Toubia, XXXX p 417). There are two very common types of such mutilations, one is clitoridectomy, where all or some of the clitoris is removed from the woman, and the other is infibulation, "where the clitoris is removed" and "some or all of the labia minora are cut off and incisions are made in the labia majora to create raw surfaces" which is then sewn up or kept in contact by pressure so it heals by itself. (Toubia, p 418).
             Female genital mutilation is still practiced in some under developed countries. This practice is cultural and not religious, as some perceive it. This essay will primarily focus on what Okin, Toubia and some other writers" point of view is, as well as discuss the reasons why it is still practiced. It will also address relevant issues such as the existence of laws that aim to curb this demeaning practice, the ethical precepts behind these laws, as well as explore the physical and psychological trauma born by the innocent victims. In addition to that, it will also discuss the difference between women having implants and FGM and also why some women still surprisingly defend this practice. Moreover, it will also talk about writer Alice Walker and producer Pratibha Parmar who released a documentary film on Female Genital Mutilation. Most of the material used in this essay, are from the papers by Toubia and Okin as well as the responses Okin's articles have accrued. .
             Anika Rahman and Nahid Toubia's articles on the "background and history" of FGM - state that FGM is not a religious practice, rather it is culturally based. The practice was common before the advent of the major world religions. People of different religious backgrounds in Africa practiced FGM. Despite this, FGM is still wrongly misconstrued as an Islamic ritual.