These customs have persisted for ages and are predominantly imposed on young females.
For those unfamiliar with these practices, we will illuminate their nature, the regions of their occurrence, the underlying motivations, and the grave and enduring health repercussions inflicted on the women subjected to them.
What is genital cutting?
Often termed female genital cutting (FGC), this is a deeply distressing and agonizing ritual involving the partial or complete removal of a girl's external genitalia. Typically performed by traditional practitioners lacking medical training, there exist four categories of FGC, ranging from less severe to the most extreme:
1. Clitoridectomy: Involving the removal of the clitoral hood or the entire clitoris itself.
2. Excision: Progressing further, entails removal of both the clitoris and the labia minora (inner vaginal lips).
3. Infibulation: This represents the most extreme form of FGC, where the clitoris, labia minora, and labia majora (outer vaginal lips) are excised, and the remaining tissue is stitched together, leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual blood. (Further details below.)
4. Other harmful practices: This category might involve actions such as scraping or piercing of the genital area.
Infibulation
While infibulation falls within the spectrum of FGC, it stands out due to its extreme nature and its widespread occurrence in Africa.
In infibulation, the vaginal opening is sealed, leaving a tiny aperture for menstruation and urination. During this procedure, the girl's legs are bound with rope for several days to facilitate healing.
Normally, it takes around 15 to 40 days for the wound to fully heal, and during this period, the girl's legs are kept immobilized to prevent movement.
The irrational purpose behind infibulation is to manage a woman's sexuality, prevent sexual intercourse, and ensure her virginity until marriage.
Essentially, the stitches are intended to be undone by her spouse on their wedding night to allow intimacy. Imagine the intense pain and trauma associated with such an act!
The pain endured by the girl is both severe and unimaginable. Picture someone undoing stitches and immediately engaging in intercourse with her.
Moreover, many of these women require re-cutting after childbirth due to the inadequate size of the vaginal opening for safe delivery.
Factors behind the continuation of these practices
Understanding the reasons for the persistence of these horrifying customs is crucial in combating them:
1. Cultural beliefs: FGC and infibulation are deeply enmeshed in cultural traditions and are often deemed necessary for a girl's acceptance in society and marriage.
2. Control of female sexuality: In many societies, FGC is employed as a method to control female sexuality, ensuring women remain chaste until marriage.
3. Misconceptions: Certain communities erroneously view FGC as essential, disregarding the severe health hazards it poses.
Aftereffects on the victims' health
The repercussions of genital cutting and infibulation have dire consequences for the physical and psychological well-being of the women subjected to them:
1. Pain and complications: The procedure itself is exceedingly painful and can lead to complications such as severe bleeding, infections, shock, and even death.
2. Persistent pain: Many survivors of FGC experience ongoing genital pain throughout their lives.
3. Menstrual and urinary problems: The narrowed vaginal opening can lead to grave health issues, including urinary tract infections, fistulae, infertility, and menstrual complications.
4. Complications during childbirth: FGC heightens the risks of childbirth complications, including prolonged labour, tearing, and the need for cesarean sections, endangering both mother and newborn.
5. Psychological trauma: Many of these women suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to this traumatic experience.
6. Long-term health risks: FGC can result in enduring health problems such as chronic infections, infertility, and an elevated risk of HIV transmission due to the use of unsterilized instruments during the procedure.
Putting an end to genital cutting and infibulation in Africa is imperative.
The perpetuation of such a cruel practice is disheartening. It is time to raise our voices against infibulation. Girls should not endure this inhumane treatment simply due to their gender. Being a girl child is not a transgression. Equally distressing is the inadequate attention this issue receives from mainstream feminism. This is an urgent matter warranting attention, and it is our shared responsibility to strive for a world where no girl must suffer the horrors of genital cutting and infibulation. These girls merit lives free from such agony and anguish.
Reject infibulation!
Tags:
Beauty Health