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Female Genital Mutilation

The document discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) in Africa, including its types, where it is practiced, why it is practiced, arguments against it, and examples from Uganda and Gambia. FGM involves removing parts of the female genitalia and is often viewed as necessary for marriage, though it can lead to infections and has no religious requirements. Over 100 million girls have undergone FGM, and 3 million are at risk annually across 28 African countries and some in the Middle East and Asia. Tradition, social norms, and a lack of knowledge about health risks drive the practice.

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Natukunda Dianah
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181 views

Female Genital Mutilation

The document discusses female genital mutilation (FGM) in Africa, including its types, where it is practiced, why it is practiced, arguments against it, and examples from Uganda and Gambia. FGM involves removing parts of the female genitalia and is often viewed as necessary for marriage, though it can lead to infections and has no religious requirements. Over 100 million girls have undergone FGM, and 3 million are at risk annually across 28 African countries and some in the Middle East and Asia. Tradition, social norms, and a lack of knowledge about health risks drive the practice.

Uploaded by

Natukunda Dianah
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Female Genital Mutilation

in Uganda & Africa


by James Kateregga

FGM is best understood not as an isolated phenomenon but rather


as the tip of the iceberg of asymmetrical gender relations.
What is FGM?

• Female Genital Mutilation, or FGM, is the


traditional practice of cutting and/or removing parts
of the female genitalia.
• It is often viewed as a passage into womanhood and
a necessity for marriage.
• The WHO categorizes FGM into four types, from
removing a part of the clitoris to full excision of the
clitoris and cutting of the labia minora and majora,
and artificial closure of the vagina.
TYPES OF FEMALE GENITAL
MUTILATION
• Type 1 – Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of
the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of
the female genitals) and/or in very rare cases only,
the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the
clitoris).

• Type 2 – Excision: partial or total removal of the


clitoris and the labia minora, with or without
excision of the labia majora (the labia are the ‘lips’
that surround the vagina).
Types cont’d

• Type 3 – Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal


opening through the creation of a covering seal.
The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the
inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of
the clitoris.

• Type 4 – Other: all other harmful procedures to the


female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g.
pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing
the genital area.
Where is FGM practiced?

Image source: http://www.who.int/reproductive-health/fgm/fig1.htm


Where is FGM practiced?

• Practiced in 28 African countries, some others in the


Middle East and Asia2
• WHO estimates 100-140 million girls have
undergone FGM
• 3 million girls per year are at risk
Why is FGM practiced?

• Tradition
• Perceived religious requirement
• (not actually required in any religion)
• Marriage eligibility
• Rite of passage into womanhood
• Geography and neighbors’ practices
• Mark of status
• Lack of knowledge about medical consequences
Arguments for the Elimination of FGM

• Procedure is often performed in an unclean,


unsterile environment
• Women who perform procedure are often
unskilled
• Women are at risk for serious infections and
complications
• Most convincing argument is that most women
who agree to procedure do so under heavy
influence from friends and family
The Case of Gambia

• 60% of girls and women undergo the practice of FGM


• Only after undergoing FGM is a girl rendered marriageable
• Other reasons for FGM: chastity, rite of passage, social standing
• The operation distinguishes those who have undergone the
operation from those who have not.
The Case of Gambia (con’t)

• Studies have proven centrality of nuclear


family/extended family in decision to undergo
ceremonial cutting
• Assumption that any girl who chooses to
perform this practice is most likely second
order autonomous
consequences

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