Female Mutilation in Africa

Female mutilation In Africa

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the term used for removal of all or just part of the female genitalia. The age the procedure is carried out varies form just after birth to some time during the first pregnancy. This barbaric act is carried out by the use of various sharp objects. In Africa, women with no formal training, using these sharp objects such as razor blades, or pieces of broken glass traditionally perform it. There are different types of female genital mutilation which include Circumcision or Sunna which is the removal of the hood of the clitoris, with the body of it remaining intact, Excision or Clitoridectomy where the clitoris is removed in it entirety and all or part of the labia minora, and Infibulation or Pharaonic which is the removal of the clitoris, the labia minora, and much of the labia majora. The Remaining sides of the vulva are stitched together to close up the vagina, except for a small opening, which is preserved with slivers of wood or match sticks.

In Africa, female genital mutilation is practiced for cultural identity, gender identity, and for control of women's sexuality and fidelity during marriage. (Arnfred, 2004) There are many physical effects of Female Genital Mutilation, and many times these effects lead to death. During the time the mutilation is carried out, pain, shock, hemorrhaging, and damage to the organs surrounding the clitoris and labia can occur. The more common effects are intermittent bleeding, abscesses and small benign tumors of the nerve.

Custom and tradition in Africa are by far the most frequently cited reasons for FGM. Along with other physical or behavioral characteristics, FGM defines who is in the group. Many people in FGM- practicing societies regard Female Genital Mutilation as so normal that they cannot imagine ...