Female genital mutilation , one of the most controversial and not-so-widely discussed harmful traditional practice, cannot be hidden anymore, thanks to the forces of citizen journalism. The debate about FGM like polygamy and witchcraft is volatile whenever it comes into focus. Some Africans, indignant at the western critics denounce the tradition as barbaric and primitive; and defend it in the name of cultural tradition.
Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a universal problem and is also practised in some countries in Asia and Latin America. The ancient practice also continues to persist amongst immigrant populations living in Western Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Female genital mutilation, which is commonly referred to as ‘female circumcision’ is practised among many African tribes as one of the traditional rituals that prepare girls for womanhood, though the age at which it is practised varies.
So, the underlying assumptions/traditional myths for the practice include maintenance of cleanliness, as it is feared that uncircumcised female habours evil spirit; prevention of still-births in primigravida, as it is believed that if the head of the baby touches the tip of the clitoris, the baby will die; prevention of promiscuity, as it is the belief that uncircumcised females are very active sexually and so will not be easily satisfied by one man; since the act reduces female’s sexual desire.
Also, obstetric complications often result in post FGM procedures, some of which include an increased risk of difficult labour, having a Caesarean section performed, experiencing postpartum haemorrhage, or a recourse to episiotomy. Lastly, FGM can lead to abnormal scarring and death that can be caused by infections such as tetanus and haemorrhage and psychological consequences such as trauma because many women describe FGM as a traumatic event.
So, to promote the elimination of FGM, coordinated and systematic efforts are needed. At the national level, we need new policies and legislation protecting the rights of girls and women to live free from violence and discrimination. Besides, social policy makers should develop national action plans to end the practice.