WHY FGM IS PRACTICED
WHY FGM IS PRACTICED
Table of Contents
FGM Definition
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision, comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or causing other harm to the female genital area. FGM is a harmful traditional practice deeply rooted in socio-cultural and religious beliefs, causing immense suffering to millions of girls and women worldwide.
FGM Prevalence
FGM is predominantly practiced in Africa, with some prevalence in Asia and the Middle East. According to UNICEF, an estimated 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, with 4 million girls at risk annually. The prevalence of FGM varies significantly across countries and regions, ranging from less than 1% to over 90%.
Reasons for FGM
The reasons for practicing FGM are complex and vary across different cultures and societies. Here are some commonly cited reasons:
Cultural Beliefs
Cultural beliefs and norms play a significant role in perpetuating FGM. In some cultures, FGM is seen as a rite of passage, symbolizing a girl's transition to womanhood. It is believed to enhance purity, promote chastity, and preserve virginity until marriage. FGM is also viewed as a way to control female sexuality and maintain the patriarchal structure of society.
Economic Factors
In certain societies, FGM is practiced with the belief that it increases a girl's marriageability and economic prospects. It is thought to make girls more desirable as brides, thus attracting better marriage proposals and higher bride prices. This economic incentive perpetuates the practice, as families see FGM as a way to secure their daughters' financial security.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Misconceptions about hygiene and cleanliness contribute to the practice of FGM. Some cultures associate the external female genitalia with impurity and uncleanliness. FGM is believed to improve hygiene by removing body parts perceived as dirty or shameful. This misguided notion perpetuates the harmful practice of FGM.
Religious Misinterpretations
In some cases, FGM is justified based on religious or cultural texts that are misinterpreted or taken out of context. For instance, in some interpretations of Abrahamic religions, FGM is erroneously seen as a requirement for religious purity or as a way to obey religious teachings. Such misinterpretations contribute to the continuation of FGM within certain religious communities.
Family Honor
FGM is sometimes practiced to maintain family honor and reputation. In some societies, a girl's virginity is seen as a reflection of her family's honor. FGM is believed to safeguard this honor by ensuring that the girl remains a virgin until marriage. This practice perpetuates the idea that women's sexuality is a source of shame and dishonor.
Consequences of FGM
FGM has severe and lifelong consequences for the physical, psychological, and social well-being of girls and women. These consequences extend beyond the immediate pain and trauma of the procedure itself.
Health Risks
FGM carries significant health risks, both immediate and long-term. Immediate complications can include severe pain, bleeding, infections, and even death. Long-term consequences may include chronic pain, urinary and menstrual problems, increased risk of childbirth complications, and psychological trauma. FGM also increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS.
Psychological Trauma
FGM is a traumatic experience that can profoundly impact a girl's psychological well-being. It can lead to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. The shame and stigma associated with FGM can further exacerbate these psychological consequences, leading to social isolation and a diminished quality of life.
Social Marginalization
FGM can result in social marginalization and discrimination against girls and women. In some communities, women who have undergone FGM are considered impure or unclean. They may be excluded from social activities, denied access to education and employment opportunities, and experience difficulties in forming relationships. This social marginalization can have devastating consequences for their overall well-being and life chances.
Economic Hardships
The consequences of FGM extend to economic hardships for girls and women. Health complications resulting from FGM can lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism from school or work, and increased healthcare costs. Social marginalization can limit women's access to education and employment opportunities, perpetuating poverty and economic inequality. Additionally, FGM can contribute to intergenerational poverty, as girls who undergo FGM are more likely to have daughters who also undergo the procedure.
Solutions to End FGM
Ending FGM requires a multifaceted approach involving education, legal reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation.
Education
Education is crucial in changing attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate FGM. Comprehensive sex education programs should be implemented in schools, teaching students about the harmful consequences of FGM and promoting gender equality. Community education programs are also essential in raising awareness about FGM and empowering communities to abandon the practice.
Legal Reforms
Enacting and enforcing laws that criminalize FGM is vital in deterring the practice. Governments must demonstrate zero tolerance for FGM and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. Additionally, laws should provide support and protection for girls and women who have undergone FGM, including access to healthcare, counseling, and legal aid.
Community Engagement
Engaging communities is crucial in addressing the root causes of FGM and promoting sustainable change. Engaging religious and community leaders, healthcare providers, traditional birth attendants, and women's groups can help identify and address harmful beliefs and practices. Community-led initiatives that promote gender equality and empower women can contribute to the abandonment of FGM.
International Cooperation
International cooperation is essential in addressing FGM as a global issue. Collaborative efforts among governments, international organizations, and NGOs can support countries in implementing comprehensive strategies to end FGM. International funding and technical assistance can help strengthen healthcare systems, support community-led initiatives, and promote research to better understand and address the practice.
Conclusion
FGM is a harmful cultural practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. It has devastating consequences for their physical, psychological, and social well-being. Addressing FGM requires a multifaceted approach involving education, legal reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation. By working together, we can create a world where all girls and women are free from the scourge of FGM.
FAQs
What is FGM?
FGM, also known as female circumcision, is the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital area.
In which countries is FGM most prevalent?
FGM is predominantly practiced in Africa, with some prevalence in Asia and the Middle East. Countries with the highest prevalence include Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Mali, and Sierra Leone.
What are the reasons for practicing FGM?
FGM is practiced for various reasons, including cultural beliefs, economic factors, misconceptions about hygiene and cleanliness, religious misinterpretations, and the desire to maintain family honor.
What are the consequences of undergoing FGM?
FGM has severe consequences for girls and women, including physical pain, bleeding, infections, chronic pain, urinary and menstrual problems, increased risk of childbirth complications, psychological trauma, social marginalization, and economic hardships.
What are the solutions to end the practice of FGM?
Addressing FGM requires a multifaceted approach involving education, legal reforms, community engagement, and international cooperation. Comprehensive sex education, legal prohibitions, support for survivors, and community-led initiatives are essential in ending this harmful practice.
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