Female Circumcision

What is female circumcision?

Female circumcision, also known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), involves procedures that partially or totally remove the external female genitalia or cause injury to these organs. These procedures are typically performed for cultural or non-medical reasons. FGM is strongly condemned by international organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations because of its severe health risks and human rights violations. While its exact origins are unclear, FGM has been practiced in parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Persian Gulf. In Ghana, FGM affects about 4% of the population overall, but the prevalence is much higher in the Upper East Region, where it is about 38%. The practice continues in some communities due to entrenched societal norms and the belief that it helps women remain chaste until marriage.

What is the rationale behind female circumcision?

• Psychosexual reasons: Some believe FGM is necessary to control women’s sexuality, which they view as excessive or uncontrollable unless parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are removed. It’s thought to ensure virginity before marriage, fidelity afterward, and enhance male sexual pleasure.
• Cultural and sociological reasons: FGM is often seen as a rite of passage into womanhood and an important part of cultural traditions. Myths about female genitalia, such as the belief that an uncut clitoris will grow into a penis or that FGM will improve fertility or child survival, can also perpetuate the practice.
• Hygiene and aesthetic reasons: In some communities, the external female genitalia are considered unclean or unattractive, leading to their removal for the sake of hygiene or appearance.
• Religious reasons: Although neither Islam nor Christianity endorses FGM, some people use supposed religious justifications to support the practice.
• Socio-economic factors: In many areas, FGM is a requirement for marriage, and economic dependence on men can drive its continuation. It can also be a factor in inheritance rights or serve as a source of income for those who perform the procedure.

What are some misconceptions about female genital mutilation?

FGM can never be truly safe. Even when done in a sterile environment by a healthcare professional, it can cause severe health issues both immediately and in the long term. There is no medical justification for FGM, and advocating for any form of genital cutting is unacceptable from both a public health and human rights perspective.

What are the complications of FGM?

FGM can lead to many serious short- and long-term health problems:

• Short-term complications:
  • Psychological trauma
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Shock
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling of genital tissues
  • Poor wound healing
  • Increased risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis B from non-sterile instruments
• Long-term complications:
  • Persistent healing issues
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Pelvic infections
  • Abscesses and cysts
  • Painful menstruation
  • Complications during pregnancy and childbirth due to changes in anatomy
  • Fistulas (abnormal passages between the vagina and other organs)

How to Prevent or Abolish FGM

• Education and Awareness: We need to raise awareness about the severe health risks and human rights violations of FGM. By educating communities, we empower individuals to reject this harmful practice through increased knowledge and understanding.
• Community Engagement: We should work with local communities to change cultural norms and attitudes. By collaborating with leaders and influencers, we can drive positive cultural shifts and build grassroots support for ending FGM.
• Legal Action: We must enforce strong laws against FGM and provide legal support for victims. Holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring strict legal measures are crucial for protecting rights and preventing the practice.
• Support Services: We must offer dedicated support and counseling to women and communities affected by FGM. Providing resources and assistance will help survivors recover, rebuild, and thrive.
• Healthcare Training: We need to train healthcare professionals to recognize, prevent, and treat FGM. By equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills, we can ensure they support survivors effectively and advocate for the end of this practice.