Female genital mutilation Jenna Ferguson Women’s Studies 301:Fall 2008 Leisha Jones 10-01-08

introduction “Feminist researchers in several disciplines have argued that female genital surgeries are a manifestation of gender inequalities and ‘patriarchy’ in the societies where they are found.” Where is female genital mutilation practiced (FGM)? How many has FGM affected already?

introduction

introduction

Origin/roots “The British Museum houses a Greek papyrus dated 163 B.C. that mentions girls in Egypt being circumcised when they receive their dowries.” How practice began: unknown Population control Man’s desire to control female sexuality

Types of female genital mutilation Clitoridectomy (Type 1) Clitoral hood is removed along with part or the entire clitoris Excision (Type 2) Clitoral hood and clitoris are removed in addition to partial or total excision of the labia minora Infibulation (Type 3): Most Dangerous Removes tissue from the external genitalia and results in the stitching and narrowing of the vagina Unclassified (Type 4) Includes other procedures such as piercing, stretching, and burning of the clitoris

Types of female genital mutilation continued…

Age and procedure Between infancy and twelve years of age Why so early? Tools Birth attendants Procedure

Justifications for fgm Psycho-sexual “Women are frightened into doing away with their sexual organ, created solely for sexual pleasure, in the same way that Freud used propaganda through psychology to influence women to abandon clitoral orgasm.” Arguments: Without excision: women can kill baby, women can kill husband, women are not worthy of being married Example: The Dogon and Bambara tribes

Justifications for fgm continued… Religious Muslims, Catholics, Protestants, and atheists’ Changing Views 17th and 18th Century Roman Catholic Church Sociological Rite of passage into adulthood Contradiction lies in the age girls are having the procedure done Hygiene and Aesthetics In many African countries, women who are uncircumcised are considered dirty, unworthy, and ugly Beauty: leaders persuade woman to have the procedure done in order to gain “spiritual purity” and thus become beautiful

Consequences of fgm Physical (short and long term) Short Term Violent pain, hemorrhaging, shock, urine retention, and the spread of diseases (HIV and Hepatitis B) Death: According to Dr. Rosemary Mburu, a Kenyan gynecologist, “15 per cent of all circumcised females die of bleeding or infections.” It is also estimated that, “out of 1,000 females who undergo female genital mutilation 70 women die as a result.” Long Term Vaginal stones, genital tumors, cysts, and urinary/kidney infections Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation due to the lack of blood naturally flowing)

Consequences of fgm continued… Psychological On one hand… Girls are taught that their livelihood depends on them marrying and starting a family Not being excised can cause feelings of depression and marginalization On other hand… Anxiety, terror, pain, humiliation, betrayal Depression and post traumatic stress

Consequences of fgm continued… Sexual Marriage and being de-infibulated Women who have had FGM find it almost impossible to enjoy intercourse with their spouse and felt the act is more of an obligation than anything else In 1993 the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) studied Sudanese women and their sexuality; they found that, “5.5 percent of women interviewed experienced painful intercourse and 9.3 percent reported having difficult or impossible penetration”

What is being done Programs that are being implemented Circumcision through Words (Kenya) Instead of traditional rites of passage (cutting), brings young women together for a week of privacy to talk about roles as women, health, hygiene, communication, self- esteem, and peer pressure Tolstan (Senegal) Ongoing campaign to raise awareness about FGM. Through storytelling, discussions, and role playing entire villages are addressed about critical issues and health risks. They are not attacked and told to stop, which is why the program is having a positive outcome