"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.
There are different types of FGM/FC. ... Historians believe that FGM/FC was practiced in ancient Egypt. ... - The Sudanese peoples have practiced FGM/FC for thousands of years. ... Finally, the last likely motive for FGM/FC is simply pressure for compliance. ... It is a vicious cycle that perpetuates this problem of FGM/FC. ...
More side effects of FGM include hemorrhages, tetanus, and shock. FGM has been cited by WHO in 2001 as a major health problem. ... "There are no exact data on the prevalence of FGM in Africa. ... For example, as clearly will be seen, although FGM is most common in Muslim countries, FGM prevalence in no way follows the prevalence of Islam. ... They are planning on trying to reduce the number of women who undergo FGM every year by making FGM illegal, the UN and the WHO have also made rigid laws for those who still practice FGM in areas where it is illegal. ...
In the communities where FGM takes place, it is referred to as "female circumcision." ... Approximately 85 percent of all women who undergo FGM have clitoridectomies. ... In countries like Sudan, Somalia, and Djibouti, 80 to 90 percent of all FGM is infibulation. ... It is important to remember that FGM is neither a disease nor a reproductive risk. ... In other words, FGM removes FGM removes the woman's sexual organ and leaves her reproductive organs intact. ...
But internationally financed population, health and safe motherhood programs ignore Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and have failed to implement effective preventive education. ... FGM is painful, dangerous, and disrespectful to the woman/child and her body and I belive evry woman has the right to education to help make this critical decision. ... And that's not all, FGM causes urinary and menstrual problems, frigidity, painful intercourse, and many, many needless deaths. The highest childbirth mortality is recorded in areas where FGM is practiced. ... FGM is desecrating the woman...
But internationally financed population, health and safe motherhood programs ignore Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and have failed to implement effective preventive education. ... FGM is painful, dangerous, and disrespectful to the woman/child and her body and I belive evry woman has the right to education to help make this critical decision. ... And that's not all, FGM causes urinary and menstrual problems, frigidity, painful intercourse, and many, many needless deaths. The highest childbirth mortality is recorded in areas where FGM is practiced. ... FGM is desecrating the woman...
Female circumcision, commonly known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is practiced in over 30 countries in the world. ... The estimating of women who have gone through FGM has totaled up to about 114 to 130 million women a year. ... The most controversial part of FGM is the many reasons as to why this practice is done to so many women because it hardly makes any sense. The first reason for FGM is that it makes the woman more beautiful facially and in between the legs. ... This statement perfectly provokes the question of the real motive behind FGM. ...
This procedure has been given the names of Female and Male Genital Mutilation, or FGM/MGM, by its opponents. ... (FGM Network). ... FGM and MGM are primarily cultural practices. ... It is not difficult to see why so many people can be outraged by FGM and MGM. ... Imagine growing up in a society where FGM and MGM are the "norm-. ...
FGM, or Female Genital Mutilation, has been practiced worldwide for several thousand years in more than thirty countries throughout the world. ... There are issues and controversies over allowing the practice of FGM to continue throughout the world. ... FGM is usually performed in the houses of neighbors or in the family's home itself. ... Nearly thirty countries worldwide allow FGM; in fact, many of them openly encourage it to be done. ... FGM is deemed critical in order for a girl to be considered a complete woman, and the practice itself separates women from girls. ...
(Internet I) Why is FGM practiced? ... "FGM is primarily a social practice, not a religious one". ... This is more frequent where FGM is part of the initiation into adulthood. FGM is often deemed necessary in order to be considered a complete woman. ... Three types of FGM are: 1. ...
