Female Genital Mutilation: Human Rights Issue in Africa
By Kay Schriner (kays@uark.edu)
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a widespread practice in Uganda, Sudan, and some other African nations, and is being fought by human rights activists. FGM has been around for a long time. Some scholars estimate that 100 million living in 25 African nations have been subjected to FGM. In Sudan, 9 of every 10 women are subjected to the practice despite an on-going campaign against it. FGM ranges from "partial or complete clitoridectomy, to removal of all or most of the inner and outer labia, to infibulation, or the sewing up of the sides of the vulva" (Neath, 1997, p. 207).
Serious health consequences
FGM often has tragic health consequences. According to Neath "[I]nfibulation makes the passage of urine and menstrual blood extremely difficult and painful, often resulting in accumulation of debris and infection that can spread throughout the entire reproductive and renal systems....The impairments resulting from the mutilation include chronic pain, loss of sexual feeling, and loss of mobility evidenced in a slow and shuffling gait. Childbirth becomes very painful and difficult due to inelastic scar tissue and the lives of both mother and child are at risk during birthing" (p. 207).
Feminist scholars see FGM as part of an attempt by men to control women's sexuality and reproduction. Others see it as primarily as economic activity. In Sudan, for example, the Sudanese Network for the Abolition of FGM say that gynecologists there have started advertising "Sharia Circumcision."
FGM is also rooted in social and religious custom. Ceremonies during which FGMs are performed offer honor to the parents and the opportunity for the community to gather together.
Women activists in Africa are attacking the practice in many ways. They have targeted educational campaigns at young women, and are increasingly targeting parents. One activist says, "We have found that parents...start circumcising infants from 0-2 years. Educating young ones alone does not help if their parents are left behind."
Incentives not to circumcise
USA-UGPA (Uganda Godparents Associations) now offers incentives to parents who do not circumcise their daughters. "We started off with a heifer and goats project. It is working, but we need more support," says a member.
The activists' campaigns are challenged by a new practice as well. In Tanzania, an NGO began using the "modern" technique of "slicing off the tip of the organ" (clitoris) that is less invasive than other procedures. This technique still causes scarring and complications during childbirth. Activists say any kind of procedure that damages a girl's body is barbaric.
Information and quotes for this story taken from www.allafrica.com.
Neath, J. (1997). Social causes of impairment, disability, and abuse: A feminist perspective. Journal of Disability Policy Studies, 8, 195-230.
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