|
What is "female circumcision?"
Female circumcision, otherwise known as female genital mutilation (FGM) and female genital cutting (FGC), is considered
to be any procedure that involves the partial or complete removal of female genitalia.
Why is female circumcision practiced?
There are multiple reasons why various cultures practice genital mutilation, including but not excluded to: family honor,
hygiene, spell protection, the assurance of virginity and faithfulness to the husband before marriage, or a terror tactic
to scare women out of sex. Additionally, in many cultures, a girl who is not circumcised is considered "unclean",thus,
not eligible for marriage. Often, female circumcision is an initiation into womanhood.
Where is circumcision practiced?
FGC is a cross-cultural and cross-religious ritual. In Africa and the Middle East, it is performed by Muslims, Christians
and Coptic Christians, and members of various indigenous groups. There are four types of circumcision in practice today. Type
I is commonly practiced in areas from Malaysia and Indonesia in Asia to Saudi Arabia and Yemen in the Middle East. Type II
is mostly practiced in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Type III is practiced mostly in the Sudan, parts of Egypt, Somalia, Mali,
and parts of Nigeria, Africa. (According to the world-health organization)
What are the types of circumcision?
Type I: This type includes the excision of the prepuce with or without the excision of parts or all of the clitoris.
Type II: Excision of the clitoris together with parts or all of the labia minora.
Type III: Excision or ablation of the external genitalia, accompanied sometimes with stitching or narrowing of the vaginal
opening.
Type IV: Any procedure that affects the genitalia, including piercing, pricking, and/or stretching of the clitoris or
surrounding areas.
|
|
The medical and social justifications offered by cultural tradition are regarded by scientists
and doctors as inapplicable. Various African societies consider FGC a part of female cleanliness as it decreases
the secreting parts of the genitalia. In reality, however, vaginal secretions play a critical part in maintaining
female health. The Bambara and Dogon believe that babies die if they touch the clitoris during birth. FGC practicers claim
the practice cures females of psychological diseases including depression and hysteria. FGC is often used as a means of preservation
and proof of virginity, and is regarded in many societies as a prerequisite for an honorable marriage. Type III FGC is
often used in these societies, and the husband will sometimes cut his bride's scar tissue open after marriage to allow for
sexual intercourse. Men who marry an uncircumcised woman are heavily penalized and a stigma follows the couple. Women who
have had a genital surgery are often considered to be of a higher status than those who have not and are eligable for
positions of religious political and cultural power. The removal of the clitoris is often used to discourage promiscuity,
as it eliminates the motivating factor of sexual pleasure. Feminists and human rights activists disapprove of this practice
because it preassumes that women lack the self control or the right to decide when and with whom they engage in sexual activity.
|
