Female circumcision is a sensitive and controversial topic. It’s a practice that some cultures continue due to long-standing beliefs and social pressures.
However, it raises serious concerns for women’s health and rights. In this article, we will take a look at why people think the benefits of female circumcision are and how it affects women’s health.
What is Female Circumcision?
Female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is a procedure that involves cutting or removing parts of a woman’s external genitalia, often for cultural reasons.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies four main types of FGM:
- Type I (Clitoridectomy): Partial or total removal of the clitoris.
- Type II (Excision): Removal of the clitoris and labia minora, sometimes with the labia majora.
- Type III (Infibulation): Narrowing of the vaginal opening by repositioning the labia, sometimes leaving only a tiny opening.
- Type IV: Other harmful procedures, like pricking, piercing, or scraping.
Where and Why is FGM Practiced?
It is most common in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
According to UNICEF, around 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of circumcision. It’s a practice often done to young girls before puberty, and it’s deeply rooted in cultural, social, and sometimes even religious beliefs.
Why is Female Circumcision Practiced?
In communities where FGM is common, they believe it brings respect and social acceptance.
Many think that undergoing FGM improves a girl’s marriage prospects because they see it as a sign of maturity and readiness for family life.
In some regions, circumcised women are considered “clean” and more suitable for marriage.
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Controlling Female Sexuality
Another belief behind female circumcision is that it helps control women’s sexuality.
The idea is that circumcision reduces sexual desire, helping women stay “pure” before marriage and faithful afterward.
In some cultures, this practice is mistakenly linked to religious beliefs, even though no major religion promotes FGM.
Beliefs About Health and Beauty
Some people believe that FGM makes women “cleaner” or more attractive. These views are based on tradition rather than scientific evidence, as no health benefits are proven.
In reality, FGM can cause a lot of health issues, which we will discuss further below.
Example: In countries like Sudan and Somalia, female circumcision is often seen as a family’s way to ensure that a daughter will gain respect and find a good husband. In these communities, not undergoing the procedure can lead to social isolation, which pressures many families to follow this practice, despite the risks.
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How Does Female Circumcision Affect Health?
Although some communities see FGM as a beneficial tradition, the reality is that it can cause serious health problems for women.
Immediate Health Risks
- Extreme Pain and Trauma: The procedure is typically very painful and can be deeply traumatic, especially for young girls.
- Heavy Bleeding: Since FGM occurs without proper medical care, there is a high risk of severe bleeding.
- Infections and Illness: Unsterile tools and unsanitary conditions lead to infections, which can turn into serious diseases and even death.
- Urinary Problems: Damage to the urinary tract can make urinating difficult or painful, leading to infections.
Long-term Health Issues
- Chronic Pain and Scarring: Many women experience ongoing pain and scar tissue, which can make daily life difficult.
- Childbirth Complications: FGM can cause problems during childbirth, such as the need for a cesarean section and risks for both mother and baby.
- Mental Health Struggles: Women who undergo FGM often suffer from anxiety, depression, and other long-term psychological effects due to the trauma.
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Case Study: Nigeria
In Nigeria, where FGM is prevalent, studies have shown that circumcised women are more likely to have problems during childbirth and experience infections.
As more people learn about these risks, the government and organizations have started campaigns to raise awareness. These programs are slowly changing attitudes and helping some communities escape the practice.
Global Efforts to End FGM
Many organizations and governments around the world are actively working to stop FGM because of its harmful effects on women and girls.
Human Rights Violation
FGM is a violation of a woman’s rights to health and security. It’s a form of violence and discrimination against women.
No Proven Benefits
There are no real health benefits to FGM, despite traditional beliefs. In fact, it often leads to health issues, proving that these cultural beliefs lack medical support.
Psychological Harm
The trauma and lifelong emotional scars from FGM affect women’s mental health and well-being.
The Future of Female Circumcision: Is Change Happening?
Thanks to increased global awareness, more countries are passing laws against FGM.
In 2008, Egypt made FGM illegal, and other countries like Kenya and Nigeria have done the same. However, enforcing these laws remains a challenge, especially in remote or rural areas.
Education can help change perspectives on FGM. Some communities are now adopting “alternative rites of passage,” celebrating girls’ transition to womanhood without physical harm.
Programs like these are helping to shift traditions in a way that respects cultural values while protecting women’s health.
FAQs
1. How many females are circumcised worldwide?
About 200 million girls and women globally have undergone female circumcision, mainly in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
2. What is done in female circumcision?
Female circumcision, or FGM, involves cutting or removing parts of a girl’s external genitalia, often due to cultural beliefs.
3. What is being circumcised for a girl?
Circumcision for girls usually means removing parts of the genitalia, like the clitoris or labia, as part of cultural or traditional practices.
4. What is khatna for females?
In some cultures, “khatna” refers to a form of female circumcision or FGM, often involving partial removal of genital tissue.
5. Can circumcision be done on girls?
Yes, female circumcision is still performed in certain regions and cultures, though it is widely discouraged and illegal in many countries.
6. How can a woman know if she was circumcised?
A woman may know if she was circumcised based on physical changes or scarring, or she may ask a healthcare provider to examine her.
7. Do girls get circumcised in Islam?
Islam does not require FGM, though it’s practiced in some Muslim-majority regions due to cultural beliefs, not religious teachings.
8. When did female circumcision start?
Female circumcision dates back thousands of years in ancient Egypt and other societies, mainly for cultural reasons.
9. How do you know if a girl is circumcised?
A doctor can examine and confirm if a girl has undergone circumcision by checking for physical signs or scars.
