Cutting The Rose: Female Genital Mutilation (Part 1) After a really long break, I thought of coming up with something that will make every reader Think! Recently, I watched a movie titled “Desert Flower” (Well, it wasn’t the first time I watched it). The movie is based on a true story of a very brave woman who is now a UK based top model. But life hasn’t always been like that for her. Once, she was just an elder daughter of a nomadic couple of Somalia. On reaching puberty she was expected to be the second wife of a man of her grandfather’s age!! But she dared! Dared to stand against the illogical norms of the sick society she was born in. She ran away from her home, promising her little brother that she would come back…. This movie features one of the most heinous crimes against women, which is commonly observed in some African countries and a few parts of Asia. This atrocious act is called Female Genital Mutilation or FGM. Here are some facts about it: >What is FGM? It is an act of complete or partial removal of external organs of Female Genitalia, sewing up of the vaginal opening leaving a small part open (of the size of tip of an ear-bud) for urination and passing of menstrual blood. >Why is it done? Well, there are many illogical justifications…. Protecting their daughters from rape, guarding the honor of the family, removing the “male” part of females, protecting the integrity of women by keeping them virgins till their marriage and so on… It is not mentioned in any Holy book that FGM is needed, but some societies also have religious reasons to carry it out. >Who carries it out? Some old women in the tribe!!! >At what age it is done? Depending upon the norm the tribe, it is carried out at any age between birth and puberty. Mostly they do it in infant girls. >How is it done? Now, this part is the most disgusting one. First, depending on the type of FGM (Type 1, Type2, Type 3 or Type 4) the external female genital organs are removed using some sharp tool. Then, the vaginal opening is sewn leaving a small part. Then the legs of the girl are tied from thighs to feet, for some days so that the skin joins and the wound is cured. It usually takes 6 weeks or 40 days. >Results may include: Death of the girl due to profuse bleeding, infections in womb, infertility in some cases, mental trauma, or maybe something even worse…. Read in next parts: What do they do after marriage? What are its effects on society? Organizations working against this and their problems.
Posted on: Mon, 24 Jun 2013 05:21:14 +0000
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