By: Ruby Newman
Image source: “Female Genital Mutilation.” Save a Girl Save a Generation, 29 Nov. 2022, www.saveagirlsaveageneration.org/en/female-genital-mutilation/. (MLA 9)
Female Genital Mutilisation (FGM) is the practice of altering or injuring the female genitalia
for unmedicated intention. The procedure is often carried out on young girls, ranging from
infancy to adolescence, and occasionally on adult women as a way to control a woman’s sexuality and make sure she isn’t able to perform sexually.
FGM has no health advantages and is in fact desecrating to the health and comfort of women thus being widely recognized as a violation of human rights.
The World Health Organisation classifies four categories of FGM which summarize into the partial or total removal of the female genitalia (clitorus, labia minora and labia majora) - this act of removal also includes the stitching and narrowing of the vaginal opening, leaving only a small hole for menstrual flow and urination. For more information on the types of FGM, click here: https://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/fgm/
This act - which is accounted as sacred under the sharia law - attempts to dehumanise women as they recognise that the purpose of a woman’s body is simply to reproduce. Although cultural relativism is an important factor when understanding circumstances as such - certain practices (conforming to social hierarchies with no medicinal benefits) causes direct harm to a women whilst eradicating their rights as an individual, thus a violation of human rights.
Often - in traditional cultures - there is a certain expectation of women of which the western perspective may deem as conservative. This in itself doesn’t necessarily hold negative connotations, but rather may just be a preference - however when individuals physically enforce their own ideologies (especially the ones which concern women as an externality) onto other women is when it becomes harmful. FGM is practiced in various parts of the world but most prominent in Africa, the Middle East and some Asian communities. The exercise is entrenched in cultural, social and religious beliefs; it is often considered a rite of passage, a way of controlling and limiting the girl from making her own decisions about her body, and stealing this inherent right is a deep rooted tradition ingrained in large communities - disappointing but not surprising. Why is it socially acceptable for a man to surgically repair a woman for his sexual pleasure, but frowned upon for her to have consensual but premarital sex? Why is she deemed a prostitute for doing something a man does as well? Aren’t the double standards glaringly evident?
Halima Sharriff, who has fought against FGM in Tanazania for many years
commented on the matter of FGM: ‘You’re violating her right to enjoy sex and a circumcised woman will have problems during childbirth. A number of young girls die in the process and there’s a risk of infection because the blades used are often not sterilised.’
Here is a donation link to help support the end of FGM: https://www.endfgm.eu/what-can-you-do/donate/
Sources used
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