Female Genital

Mutilation

FGMFemale Genital Mutilation compromises

all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non medical reasons (WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, 1997). It is also a cultural and religious belief that violates women’s lives and rights. Most importantly it highlights gender inequality and it is an extreme form of discrimination against women. It violates the rights of children, security, physical integrity, and health. Above all, the right to be free of torture or degrading treatment and the right to life, especially when the procedure ends in death.

Procedures

*Type III- Also known as Infibulation.

*Type IV- All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization.

Health Risks

health benefits.

damages healthy genital tissue and

interferes with a woman’s natural bodily functions.

Health Risks

Immediate

Complications Severe pain

Shock

Hemorrhage

Tetanus

Sepsis (bacterial infection)

Urine retention

Open sores

Long Term

Consequences Bladder and urinary tract infections

Cysts

Infertility

Need for later surgeries

Childbirth complications

Newborn deaths

Decreased sexual pleasure

We believe that there are certain physical and psychological

limitations that culture cannot transcend.

The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (2001)

says:

The right to participate in cultural life and freedom of religion is

protected by international law. However, international law

stipulates that freedom to manifest one’s religion or beliefs might

be subject to limitations necessary to protect the fundamental

rights and freedoms of others. Therefore, social and cultural

claims cannot be evoked to justify female genital mutilation.

Ethiopia

Amhara, Tigrayans, Jeberti,

among 80 others

2/3 Christian

1/3 Muslim

= 51 years old

= 17

years old

Ethiopia

Most common: Type I and II and

Infibulationcommonly practiced.

Age range: a woman’s life…until marriage

Type I: Amharas, Tigrayans, and Jeberti

Type II: Gurages, some Tigrayans

Type III: Afar, Harari, and Somali

Type IV: Gojam

Ethiopia

Lack of land rights

Discriminatory legislation

Gender gap in work

Access to education and health

Constant threat of harmful traditional practices (HTP)

Female genitals unclean

Ethiopia

As a woman you will…

Get resepect

Become a woman

Be worthy of marriage and a man

If you disagree…promiscuous and

unworthy

Religion as justification

Ethiopia

National Constitution Article 4

Women havethe right to protection by the State from

harmful customs, laws, and practices that oppress them

and cause bodily or mental harm to them are prohibited.

Penal Code

Imprisonment and 500 Birr ($55 USD) fine.

No enforcement whatsoever

Ethiopia

NCTPE

Helps overcome HTPs, yet it promotes those with a positive effect in society. Especially leaders of the community. Tackles FGM as a health issue not a human rights issue

Member of the International African Committee

NGO that works directly with the community and other NGOs in the community.

Provides: education, information, campaigns, didactic material, symposiums, workshops, etc…

Statistics

50% of women in Ethiopia have their clitoral hood

removed

6% of women undergo infibulation in the five ethnic

groups that practice it in Ethiopia.

International Organizations

Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation

An interagency statement

• The practice continues due to

cultural beliefs:• Mutilation increases her “level of marriageability”

• If is not practiced they won’t be accepted by the

society.

• “A proper marriage means not only cultural stability, but

also economical and social”.

Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation

An interagency statement

• Almost the entire community must agree with the abandonment of , in order to eliminate it.

• Steps towards effective elimination:

• Extensive training of negative effects at an early age

• Open, constructive, and informative talks where the community can learn about the need to eliminate

.

• Partnership with the government, NGO’s , international and domestic institutions.

• The media

A Social Dilemma

Agrees with point of view of

international organizations

One standard throughout

Liberals vs. Cultural relativists

How can liberal states oppose

FGM abroad yet tolerate it at

home, to whatever extent.

Conclusion

If 51% of Ethiopian population is against this practice, the global community should treat it as a cry for help.

We cannot endorse a community that degrades the physical, economic, political, psychological, and moral integrity of a woman

Yet, it cannot be completely eliminated

Synergy among political powers, economic powers, international organizations, NGO’s but above all with the Ethiopian community.

And if, with previous knowledge of all the complications and risks, if a woman (18 yrs +) still wants to go ahead with the procedure she should have adequate conditions

If this affected males….it would not even be an

issue.

The final decision

to end FGM can

be only taken by

women and girls.

Bibliography

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