Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation, an act of culture or ignorance? Ablation or female genital mutilation involves the partial or total extirpation of the clitoris. 20 years ago, I read about FGM, knowing that shocked me terribly, and I'm even more shocked to learn that despite the years and the struggle of global organizations like the UN, UNICEF, and other government and private organizations have failed abolish this practice. It is practiced for different reasons such as the religion, culture, aesthetics and even hygiene. This practice may be valid for many cultures and religions, however, women who are victims of this atrocity undergo medical and psychological consequences, is also a form of violence against women, and a violation of human rights of women and girls.

The medical and psychological consequences are overwhelming. Being informed about the consequences of this practice and how it is carried out, under what circumstances is practiced, and the age of the girls has shaken my soul, and I would scream to the world that please stop this heinous crime! I read that this procedure does not provide any benefit to women, but it does have serious aftermath such as bleeding and urinary problems, from simple to serious infections, since most of the times it takes place with very poor hygiene. Other consequences women experience later on their life are: painful intercourse and menstrual cycles, as well as delivery complications that can lead to death of the fetus and mother. Psychologically, ablation pain can cause shock and trauma states, insecurity, anxiety, loss of confidence in the loved ones, and depression. The Organization of African Women in their website (2009) state that:

“Immediate complications and consequences:

* Shock from bleeding, pain and stress resulting from cutting very sensitive and delicate area of the genitalia without the use of anaesthetic.

* Bleeding or hemorrhage: the cutting of the blood vessels in the...