Female genitale mutilation is defined as all the procedure involved in partial or total removal of the external female genitalia and or injury to the femalegenital organs, whether for cultural or any other non- therapeutic reasons.
It is also known as female circumcision or cutting. Female genitale mutilation is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and the age of 15, most commonly before puberty starts.
Female genitale mutilation is a practice whose origin and significance is shrouded in secrecy, uncertainty and confusion.
The origin of female genitale mutilation is fraught with controversy either as an initiation ceremony of young girls into womanhood or to ensure virginity and curb promiscuity or to protect female modesty and chastity.
The ritual has so wide spread that it could not have risen from a single origin. Female genitale mutilation is an unhealthy traditional practice inflicted on girls and women worldwide.
Female genital mutilation is widely recognized as a violation on human right, which is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and perceptions with no easy task for change.
Female genitale mutilation has no health benefits on girls and women.
The procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems in urinating and later result in cysts, infections, as well as complications in child birth and increased risk of new born deaths.
Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights of girls and women.
The procedures can cause severe bleeding and problems in urinating and later result in cysts, infections, as well as complications in child birth and increased risk of new born deaths.
Female genital mutilation is a violation of human rights of girls and women.
DANGERS OF FEMALE GENITALE MUTILATION
There is no health benefits, it is only concerned with harm. Immediate complication includes
- Severe pains.
- Excessive bleeding ( hemorrhage)
- Genital tissue swelling
- Fever
- Urinary problems
- Wound healing problems
- Infections
- Death.
Others include vaginal problems ( discharge, itching vaginosis).
Sexual problems ( pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction).
Increased risk of child birth complications, (Difficult delivery ,excessive bleeding, caesarean section).
Psychological problems ( depressions, anxiety, low self esteem)
WAYS TO END FEMALE GENITALE MUTILATION
(1). Challenge the discriminatory reasons why female genital mutilation is practiced. The reasons why it is practiced is that ,they believe it helps to control female sexuality.
(2). Change traditions.
(3). Educate girls on their right to decide on what happens to their bodies.
(4). Speak about the risks and realities of female genital mutilation.
(5) . Understand that religion does not demand female genital mutilation.
(6). Tackle the secrecy that allows cutting to continue.
(7). Keep pushing for female genital mutilation to be banned.
Copyright (c) 2018. AfricanInfoLead, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of AfricanInformationLead
