July 19, 2020
Deepika Dangal
Unfortunately, in the 21 century a heinous crime like Female Genital Mutilation is increasing around the globe instead of declining. Female Genital Mutilation brings outrageous inequality between the sexes and contributes to a deep-rooted form of discrimination. People from different nations follow it, unquestioningly and ignorantly. State and Non -state actors have taken steps to eliminate it but yet its practice continues to exist.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the process of partial or total removal of external female genital or other genital injuries for non- medical reasons. WHO has classified it into major four types which are Type I ( partial or total removal of clitoral ), Type II( partial or total removal of clitoral glans including labia minora), Type III ( narrowing the vaginal opening with covering seal), Type IV ( all harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purpose).
The reason behind FGM varies from region and a mix up of socio-cultural factors. It is motivated by beliefs. FGM is often linked to virginity and being faithful during marriage. It focuses on ensuring premarital virginity. Most people who practice it think that when the opening of the vagina is narrowed, the fear and pain to open it will prevent premarital intercourse. It is supported by the cultural notion of femininity that removal of the genital parts which are considered unclean will make girls beautiful and clean.
It is also practiced by Muslim and Christian communities. It is a prerequisite for marriage in many communities. There can be no denying that this cruel practice will have effects on its victims. No one but the victims can imagine how horrible its experience is. The victim suffers physical, mental, emotional, sexual psychological trauma.
FGM victims may experience severe pain and risk of hemorrhage which can lead to shock and death, infections with an ulcer, tetanus, infertility, lifelong mental problems, and so on.
The WHO estimates roughly 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone someform of Female Genital Mutilation. According to the report, more than 500,000 women andgirls in the US have undergone FGM or are at risk of doing so.
In Australia, more than 50,000 women and girls have been cut, while an estimated 600,000 have undergone the practice across the EU. In the UK, 137,000 women, and girls have been cut and more than 67,000 are at risk. About 70,000 had undergone FGM in Germany. Cases are also found in regions of India, Iran, Israel, and Russia.
The lock-down which was coincided with the month of Ramadan has witnessed a massive rise in FGM as the ritual is traditionally performed and girls were kept home from school due to lock-down restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 1997, the WHO issued a joint statement against the practice of FGM together with UNICEF and the UNFPA. The statement stated that FGM violates several human rights of women and girls. 18 countries in African nations took legal steps to eradicate it. 59 countries such as the United Kingdom, United States of America, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Zealand, Australia, and Somalia have passed laws against FGM.
The girls who have gone through FGM shared her experience. In Kenya, Bishara said, “I wasblindfolded. Then she (the cutter) tied my hands behind my back. My legs were spread open and then they pinned down my labia. Then after a few minutes, I felt a sharp pain. I screamed, I yelled, but no one could hear me. I tried to kick myself free, but a vice-like grip held my leg. The only pain relief available was a traditional remedy. There was a hole in the ground and they kept herbs in the hole. Then they tied my legs like a goat and rubbed the herbs on me. Then they said ``next girl, next girl"…". A girl named Jenny from the Christian community who went through FGM from US Midwest was taught that "Women should be submissive and that sex for pleasure was wrong for women.”
Even state and non-state actors, international and national organizations have stood against FGM yet this practice continues to exist. This patriarchal notion severely undermines humanity. Those who have been victimized by FGM, where is their freedom to decide? Where is their individuality? Where is the right to humanity? Where is the right to privacy? Where is the right to health? Where is their honor? Don't they have the right to sexual pleasure? Is it right to commit these crimes in the name of customs unquestioningly and blindly?
It is crystal clear that gender-based violence is deeply rooted in the past and still manages its continuity in the form of beliefs, customs, and rituals. This type of violence takes the support of religions for its existence which creates obstacles to end it. However, we can scrutinize the reason before following it blindly and question ourselves Why we are doing this even if it is harmful?
Female Genital Mutilation not only restricts women from the right to health but deprives women of the right to sexual pleasure. I don't think Female Genital Mutilation existence can be terminated by enforcing powerful laws or banning it. It won't stop unless gender-based stratification ends. It is paramount that the mindset of every individual should change.
The so-called educated people should practically apply education in their life. This inhuman practice will only be eliminated when the inner soul of every individual accepts humanity. Everyone should discard such a pathetic ritual in the name of religion and culture.
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