Female Circumcision

Female circumcision  is an act of partially or completely removing the external female genitalia (vulva), it is carried out on women between the ages of 15-29.

The vulva is the ourter part of the female uterus that is protected by a "double door" Labia Majora  (large lips) and Labia Minora (small lips). 

The vulva is a sexual organ that provides pleasure when stimulated. so imagine you have this taken away from you in the name of culture and taboo. Female circumcision has long been praticed and it dates back to the 60s where young women are forced to undergo a ritual of having their vulva sliced. Some of this pratices can be allaborate and celebrated in the community and while some are carried out in the family. 

REASONS FOR THIS PRATICES

1) Control over women sexuality: it reduces temptation to have premarital sex, thereby preserving the girl's virginity.

2) Hygiene: It is believed that the vulva is dirty. in some culture, unmutilated women are regarded as unclean and are not allowed to handle food or water. 

3) Gender based factors: This part made me laugh. Actually, it is done for a girl to be considered complete and to enhance her femininity.

4) Cultural identity: It is carried out as an initiation into adulthood and it defines who belongs to the community.

5)  Religion.

THE EFFECTS OF FEMALE CIRCUMCISION
1) It can result to death through excessive bleeding.
2) Neurogenic shock as a result of pain and trauma.
3) Infection (tetanus) due to unclean blade used.
4) Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and Hepatitis B.
5) Urinary menstral problems.
6) When giving birth the scar tissue may tear.here

This practice is till carried out in Africa e.g Sudan, Tanzania ,Niger Togo etc and some counties in the Middle east e.g Yemen, Iraqi Kurdistan. Although it has being abolished in countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda etc ; there have also being cases of the act being carried out on young girls till date. The idea is to raise an awareness against Female Genitalia Mutilation (FGM). Voices of women who have gone through this demeaning act need to be heard and also we as young ladies need to put an end to the wickedness targeted towards our body as a result of culture and religion. Say no to FGM

Lend your voice.