Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia

Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia : 

Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia By: Veronica Richardson

What is female genital mutilation? : 

What is female genital mutilation? Female genital mutilation is the cutting of all or part of the outer female organs. Most of these procedures are done without anesthesia and with dull or rusted knives. These procedures are almost never performed by a doctor.

Why do Somali women endure genital cutting? : 

Why do Somali women endure genital cutting? Obtain a better marriage Inhibit sexual pleasure Guard against premarital sex Ensure an upstanding place in society

Female Circumcision is very painful. Most girls are circumcised between the ages of 8 and 12. Husbands pay a handsome dowry to marry a “clean” girl. : 

Female Circumcision is very painful. Most girls are circumcised between the ages of 8 and 12. Husbands pay a handsome dowry to marry a “clean” girl.

Female Genital Cutting Complications : 

Female Genital Cutting Complications Risk of damage to other organs Uncontrollable bleeding HIV/AIDS & tetanus from unsanitary knives Fistulas (a pocket of blocked excrement) Painful and blocked menstrual cycles Urinary tract infections Anxiety & severe depression Infertility

Women Groups Opposed to Female Genital Cutting : 

Women Groups Opposed to Female Genital Cutting Tostan’s mission is to “empower African communities to bring about sustainable development and positive social transformation based on respect for human rights.” Amnesty International’s mission is to “prevent, investigate, and punish violence against women.”

Others Against Female Circumcision : 

Others Against Female Circumcision While these groups of women have done much for the ending of female genital mutilation, perhaps even more compelling are the individuals who speak out about the procedure and its effects on themselves and their families.

References : 

References Goodwin, J. (n.d.). Female Genital Mutilation of Somalia: A Compilation of Facts. Retrieved November 8, 2009 from http://dhushara.tripod.com/book/orsin/rites/rite.htm Amnesty International USA. (2001). Female Genital Mutilation: A Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 8, 2009 from http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ACT77/006/1997/en/373c3381-e984-11dd-8224-a709898295f2/act770061997en.pdf Glenn, L. (2008). UN Panel on HIV/AIDS and female Genital mutilation. Retrieved November 9, 2009 from http://stanford.wellsphere.com/detailedSearch.s?keyword=female+genital+mutilation   Women’s International Network News. (1993). Genital and Sexual Mutilation of Females. Excerpts from Fran P. Hosken, The Hosken Report: Fourth Revised Edition. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://www.heyokamagazine.com/HEYOKA.4_FEATURES.FGM.htm U.S. Department of State. (2001). Released by the Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://www.asylumlaw.org/docs/somalia/usdos01_fgm_Somalia.pdf Reymond, L.(n.d.). Female Genital Mutilation – The Facts. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://www.path.org/files/FGM-The-Facts.htm Country of Origin Information Centre. (2008). Report: Female genital mutilation in Sudan and Somalia. Retrieved October 3, 2009 from http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/pdfid/49808587/c.pdf