Around the world, an estimated one hundred
and twenty-five females, who are alive today, have been put in danger due to female
genital mutilation. Twenty-nine countries, mostly in the Middle East and Africa
still significantly practice female genital mutilation. Thirty million girls
are at risk for mutilation within the next ten years. Most of the females subjected
to the genital mutilation have it done against their will, this needs to be
stopped.
There are four types of female genital
mutilation. “Type I: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the
prepuce (clitoridectomy). Type II: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and
the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision). Type
III: Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by
cutting and a-positioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or
without excision of the clitoris (infibulation). Type IV: All other harmful
procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example:
pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization” (Eliminating Female
Genital Mutilation, 2008). Female genital mutilation is most often carried out
on girls between birth and 15 years. There are some cases of adult and even married
women being subjected to the procedure. The age at which female genital
mutilation is carried out changes with local traditions and different
circumstances.
Victims of female genital mutilation
suffer emotionally and physically. Victims of female genital mutilation are at
risk for many health complications. In some cases, female genital mutilation
can result in death. When these operations take place, they are performed by a
village doctor or mid-wife. The procedure is done with objects such as sharp
rocks, razors, scissors, and other sharp objects. It is common to have the
operation tools only being cleaned in oil or water, if they have been cleaned
at all. After effects of female genital mutilation usually consist of shock
from pain or loss of blood, hemorrhaging, blood poisoning, chronic pelvic
infections, childbirth complications, infection, fever, psychological issues,
and lack of orgasm.
There
are some that are in favor of female genital mutilation. “As a supporter of
both female and male circumcision, I believe it is time to denounce the
flagrant racism and sexism that inspire anti-FGM campaigns, such as Equality
Now, and anti-semitism that underlie MGM campaigns as well as the obvious
Islamophobia that characterizes both anti-FGM and anti-MGM campaigns. If we are
disgusted by the dubious tactics and demonizing language of radical Right to
Life advocates, why do we tolerate the use of the same contemptible,
psychological weapons against circumcised African women and girls who support
their traditions?” (Sia Ahmadu F.) Some will argue that female genital
mutilation is a part of some peoples’ culture. They will also say that most of
the women and girls have the mutilation done willingly, the key word here is
most. There are millions of females that have the mutilation done and do not
consent. The females that do not consent are the ones that need to be fought
for.
Female genital mutilations are a violation
of a females’ rights to health and well-being. “What is clear from this report
is that legislation alone is not enough. The challenge now is to let girls and
women, boys and men speak out loudly and clearly and announce they want this
harmful practice abandoned” (Pruthi P 2013). “Perhaps one of the most striking
revelations is the degree of discrepancy between the low support for FGM/C and
the high prevalence of its practice. Even in countries in which most girls and
women are cut, a significant proportion of the population opposes the practice”
(Pruthi P 2013). Even though female genital mutilations are
practiced around the world, it needs to be stopped.
References:
Female Genital Cutting 2015
Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation 2008
Pruthi P. New UNICEF Report on Female Genital
Mutilation/cutting: Turning Opposition Into Action 2013 http://www.unicef.org/protection/57929_69881.html
Sia Ahmadu F. Why the Term Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) is Ethnocentric, Racist and Sexist- Let’s Get Rid Of It!
Hysteria
Copyright © 2017 Kate Stap
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