While you might wonder what FGM means, it has become a practice that is still very present in our generation. Female Genital Mutilation involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
The UN estimates that 200 million women and girls around the world have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), with 80 per cent of cases occurring in Africa. It is sometimes stated that the purpose of female genital mutilation is to control women’s sexuality, and, in some settings, intact women are considered dishonorable prostitutes. It is also widely believed that the clitoris connotes maleness and the prepuce of the penis connotes femaleness. Those who hold these beliefs, therefore, insist that both be removed before a person is accepted as an adult.
Reasons for Female Genital Mutilation
In some cases, it is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, while others see it as a way to suppress a woman’s sexuality.
In some communities, people practise genital mutilation in the belief that it will secure a girl’s future marriage or family honour, while some associate it with religious beliefs, although no religious scriptures require it.
Read Also: Many Dangers Of Female Genital Mutilation
Types of FGMClitoridectomyIn this practice, the clitoris is partially or completely removed. The clitoris is the most sensitive erogenous zone of a woman and the main cause of her sexual pleasure. It is removed to reduce the sexual drive and enjoyment of women and to suppress the sexuality of the woman.
ExcisionThe clitoris and labia minora are partially or completely removed. Labia refers to the lips that surround the vagina.
InfibulationThe vaginal opening is narrowed, and a covering seal is created. The inner or outer labia are cut and repositioned. This practice may or may not include the removal of the clitoris. Other procedures include cauterizing, scraping, incising, pricking, or piercing the genital area, for reasons other than medical purposes.
Mutilation includes pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.
FGM Complications include:
BleedingBacterial infectionOpen sores in the genital areaUrine retention and other urinary problemsDamage to nearby genital tissueSevere pain, possibly leading to a loss of consciousness
Long-term complications include:
Recurrent bladder infectionsCystsInfertilityIncreased risk of newborn deathsHigher rate of childbirth complications
If the opening has been narrowed, it will need to be reopened before marriage to enable sexual intercourse and childbirth. In some cultures, this opening and narrowing is done several times throughout a female’s life.
This truth remains the undiscussed torture and reality of most women.
Now, we know a little about this, what are we going to do about it?
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© Christy Chris