The traditional practice of female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation is a traditional practice that entails the cutting of the clitoris in girls or women. Although its practice is usually related to African communities, it also takes place in Asian countries, the Middle East, South America, Australia … These are traditional practices, but that constitute a violation of human rights, particularly because of its discriminatory and violent character and for the harmful consequences that lead to women’s health.
The purpose is to safeguard virginity before marriage and the values for which the submission of this practice falls are tradition, community and family.
The reasons that justify it can be psycho-sexual, social, aesthetic, medical and even magical.
It is a practice that is present from the second millennium before Christ, which induces to doubt its religious origin, consequently, would mean that this practice was passing from culture in culture through various geographical areas until today. In addition, it is not an Islamic precept, or any of the main religions. However, many large ethnic groups that practice it and that share faith in a monotheistic religion have been convinced that it is protected by religious beliefs.
As for social or anthropological reasons, female genital mutilation is part of the so -called transition or initiation rites, it is a symbology that involves the transit of children’s age to adult
It can also be related to hygienic issues, since it is believed that female genitals are dirty and antistnetic, so through this practice, women would become desirable.
However, one of the main reasons that justify this extreme manifestation of contempt for women’s body are psychosexual or reproductive reasons.
The main objective is the control of the procreation of women, that is to say of their sexuality. It is a clear male domination about women; -What is exercised in many societies in different ways, it is being one of the most explicit.- It is practiced in predominantly patrilineal societies, where the succession of positions, inheritance and authority are related to the male sex. But it is not only about domination, but also a matter of power, which implies the submission of women, in which she is not only segregated and discriminated, but also excluded from the power of power.
Those that are harmed by this practice are clearly girls and women, however, they are places where female genital mutilation is so widespread and rooted in tradition and culture, which has the support of both men and women, who They do not question the evil of practice. Women who refuse to undergo, are subject to community exclusion and isolation and the prohibition of participation in community activities, which is very difficult to abandon this practice without the support of the rest of the community.
The fact that this practice has been imposed for centuries and is considered as a cultural tradition hinders its eradication. From my point of view there is a lot of ignorance in this regard, consequently the awareness and education is crucial to traditional leaders, since they are the ones who have the greatest influence and power over their communities because although the prohibition is essential, it can strengthen a contrary reaction.
Finally, cultural arguments cannot be used to spoil violence against people, men or women. Although we must understand that this cultural shock, – abominable for us – is completely normalized within the communities, I do not think you can support you of tradition when it comes to a practice that violates the rights of humans. It is important to raise awareness that it is possible.
Leave feedback