Female Circumcision: 2014

Monday, December 8, 2014

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!

Warning, some of the post below contain graphic images.
Be prepared and BE WARNED!!!!!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

THINK. THINK, THINK.......IS IT RIGHT, WRONG, OR BOTH?

THINK. THINK, THINK.......IS IT RIGHT, WRONG, OR BOTH? Post #11

In my first post, I sounded amazed, angry, surprised and I felt like female circumcision is a brutal procedure. However, after that post I have learned and grew up to realize that the procedure is painful and brutal but it is hard for me to say it is completely right or wrong. In some post, I may imply that it is wrong and in some I might imply that it can go both ways. Female circumcision has been happening for a while now and it is still done. The questions I want my readers to ask themselves is: Is it right, wrong, or needed? Cause I actually want to know what others think after reading the entire posts.

I am so glad I chose this topic because I learned vital information and I improved my knowledge. This research open my mind to new ideas and acts. Prior to the research I was not really open minded about new things and differences. However, this topic made me realize that people are different and make different choices but I should learn to respect their decision. Does this mean I am implying that female circumcision is right or wrong? At this point, I want to say it is right to some extent and wrong to some extent however if I answer the question there will be bias because people who do it claim they have their reasons for it. There will also be bias because my perspective as an African American female is different so it will influence my decision. My new insight has helped me to be more willing to try new things, learn new things, listen and respect people for who they are. It has also helped me realize that I should not take my opportunity for granted, use it wisely and smartly to help other girls because some young girls are out there that want to be where I am. This can help others realize that there are several cultural ideas, people are different, and women are treated differently around the world not only in America. People will feel sorry for the girls based of the visual I included in my blog, some will be totally against it and some may have mixed feelings about the idea. But everyone's' answer depends on their ideas, perspective, value, believe and cultural background. Female Circumcision is an interesting topic that will force everyone to think, think, and think.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Saturday, November 29, 2014

SUGGESTIONS TO STOP FEMALE CIRCUMCISION. Post #9

SUGGESTIONS TO STOP FEMALE CIRCUMCISION

The first solution to solve female circumcision is education. I think educating the leaders of the community of where this act takes place is very important. We should educate them about how the health complications are deadly and how harmful the act is. This solution will work to some extent because it will enable them to feel a little bit of empathy for the girls. It may not work because men are not supposed to show any emotions, they are supposed to be though so they will not be ready to reason with the idea that the pain the girls suffer is terrible. This solution is better than the others because it is a peaceful approach and it will enlightening the leaders.

The second solution is to figure out an alternative celebration and eliminate the cut. The cut cause trauma to be body, so it should not be done. Instead, they can have the girls do all the celebrations before the cut, but the cut will not be done or they should do the cut on a cow or sheep. This should be done to make sure the girls are healthy. This solution may work if the leaders agree on going through the entire teaching about female circumcision. It may also work if an unnecessary painful cut is done on the male leaders, so they will know how painful it is. Though, no pain can be compared to this. This may not work because the cultural believe is that the cut is done to keep the woman from having sex without marriage or to stop them from having sexual pleasure. Also the cultural leaders will not want to lose their power by eliminating the cut because the cut symbolizes their power over women. This solution will work with the teaching solution because teaching will help the leaders realize that an alternative method needs to be created.

My final solution, is for women to speak out and share their experiences. Fight for their right just like Kezia Bianca- YWCA of Kenya. She is now advocating for other girls and working with a group of people that wants female circumcision to end. This can help resolve the problem because the society will be aware of the torture the women experience, so they will consider stopping the act. If women do not speak up for themselves, there will be no change. This will work compared to the alternative solution because our voices will be heard and we will be fighting for our power. The alternative solution will still give them power over women.

FGM;Female Circumcision. Post#8

FGM;Female Circumcision

Female genital mutilation same as Female Circumcision is a procedure performed to women to symbolize adulthood or it is done as a cultural requirements. The procedure does not have any health benefits however it causes several health issue. So the question is should it be done or should it be stopped. People like me will definitely say the act should be eliminated because of the pain and health complications. But then again, I will want to consider the cultural reasons behind it. It is a hard question to be answered without being bias. The issue is a problem because United Nation and other global organization got involved and are working towards eliminating the act because of the health issues and inhumane attitude.

Prior to my research I did not know anything about female circumcision. I did not even know it was done in Nigeria where I spent the first 10 years of my life. I did not even know a close female relative of mine was circumcised. I have learnt a lot. I learnt that there are types and categories of circumcision. They are sunna, clitoridectomy, and the excision and infibulation. I also learnt that female circumcision is mostly done because of cultural reasons and a disadvantage is the health issues it causes. One thing that annoys me the most is that people try to compare male circumcision to female circumcision which is unfair. Male circumcision has health benefits but female circumcision does not. I also came across a source that said women should not have the right of sexual pleasure so their clitoris should be cut off. IS EVERYTHING ALL ABOUT MEN? I think the society where circumcision is done fail to realize that without women there will not be men because women give birth to men. Women are not given any power or right during and after the process. I believe the circumcision is done to silence women. The question I keep asking myself is: is the cut necessary?

Western vs. Developing Countries. Post #7

Western vs. Developing Countries

Ethnocentrism is when people think their cultural ideas are right over other culture. Female circumcision is an intersectional issue because developed countries believe female circumcision should be stopped because of health problems and lack of women's right. Western culture refuse to put an end to it because they believe it is part of their culture. Organizations like WHO and UNICEF believe FGM should be stopped because of the health complications. However those who participate in it, believe it is the best way to express their cultural values. Some developed countries think if they refuse to stop it, they should at least find an alternative for the procedure. Instead of the cutting, they should create a big celebration to mark the welcome to womanhood but they still refuse. People who practice FGM believe it is the best action that makes their culture better than those who do not do it.

Institutions. Post #6

Institutions

Institutions affected by female circumcision are the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations, and UNICEF. They are affected by FGM because they are organization that look out for the health of everyone around the world. Therefore, if they feel like something is deteriorating the health of a group of people, they work to improve their health. FGM negativly impacts the health of the recipients.

These organization believe FGM is wrong, and should be stopped because of the health issues people acquire after the procedure. In addition, the procedure does not provided any health benefits. They believe the act abuses women’s rights in the society. These organizations have been working together to eliminate female genital mutation. In 2010, WHO published a list that includes the global strategy to stop people from performing FGM. Another institution that may be affected are hospitals because they have to take care of the girls in pain after circumcision. Although, most people do not use the hospitals but some people in developed countries utilize the hospital after the procedure if the complication is beyond self care. We should be concerned because people are dying from the procedure and have curable and non-curable health issues.

Source-For more information go to: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/

To read the strategy list, visit: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2010/WHO_RHR_10.9_eng.pdf?ua=1

Everyday Experience. Post #5

Everyday Experience

At least one girl gets circumcised around the world in a day. This practice still remains popular in some culture. The girl may not want to participate in it however the decision is not for her to make. Her father and the society determines if circumcision should be performed even though most of the time there is no debate behind it. After the circumcision these girls experience health problems(pain, hemorrhage), emotional and psychological problems. The inhumane act sometimes makes women lose hope in life. They feel miserable, out of control and sad. Based on the experience of Kezia Bianca- YWCA of Kenya, I can conclude that girls who get circumcised lose a part of themselves. The community gains control of them while they lose their dignity and control.

Culture is a huge criteria for evaluating this inhumane act. Some people believe FGM if the proper way for them to welcome girls into womanhood in their culture. While some believe it is a rule in their culture that needs to be obeyed. Girls who get circumcised normally do not have a choice to refuse because they want to follow their culture rules. They agree to follow culture even though the pain they experience makes them feel miserable after. Culture makes female circumcision right.

To read about Kezia Bianca's story visit: http://womenleadingchange.wordpress.com/2012/05/23/female-genital-mutilation-my-story/

Female Circumcision & Health Complications. Post #4

Female Circumcision & Health Complications.
SOURCE TITLE:THE RISK OF MEDICAL COMPLICATIONS AFTER FEMALE CIRCUMCISION BY M. A. DIRIE and G. LINDMARK

This source includes the voices of women who got circumcised. A research was done at Mogadishu, Somalia regarding the health effects of female circumcision; the report was published by the East Africa Journal. First the methods of circumcision was described ecause this sometimes helps to determine the level of complication a woman might experience. The three types of circumcision are sunna, clitoridectomy, and the excision and infibulation operation. Sunna requires the prepuce of clitoris to be removed just like the fore skin of the male penis is removed. The clitoridectomy type is the removal of some parts of the labia minora and clitoris. The excision and infibulation operation is the removal of the entire external female reproductive system (clitoris, labia minora, labia major). However, a little bit of opening is left below the vulva. The severity of health risk depends of the type of circumcision the woman is given.

According to the research most women reported that they experienced “hemorrhage, pain, ermoid cyst at the site of the amputated clitoris, urinary problems such as pain at micturition, dribbling urine incontinence and poor urinary flow.”(DIRIE&LINDMARK) Some women experience the effect right after the procedure while some don’t. Examples of quick effects are infection, hemorrhage or urinary retention. About 290 women were surveyed, most of them were 22 years of age. Most which were circumcised at home by someone who lacked proper training. 88% had the excision and infibulation, 6.5% had clitoridectomy and 5.5% had Sunna. The studied showed that women who has the excision and infibulation experienced more pain and lack of urine control. 5 women shared their experienced about being rushed to the hospital for blood because they had shock as a result of the procedure. 2 women had a surgery, about 36 had cyst at the site. (DIRIE&LINDMARK)

Furthermore, once a woman is circumcised they need to be defibulated which can be done by their husbands. However, it may the hard for some men to do because of the way vulva was tied up so they may get someone else to do it. Most people feel very ashamed to do this because they are viewed as a disappointment to the entire society. The defibulation process is long, painful, horrific, stressful and hurtful just like the circumcision process but the defibulation process may take between 2 to 12 weeks to complete. To sum up the health complications of almost all women who experience this procedure feel excruciating pain which is the most common complication. Complications can lead to death. (DIRIE&LINDMARK)

I agree with this source because it addresses all the possible health problems women may experience as a result of circumcision. I do not disagree with anything. I just wish the researcher include quotes of what the women said. A question someone may ask is that most of the time men do not experience no life threatening complications from circumcision but why should women do, is it even really necessary, is it done to women to show that men have more power over them and in the society or is it used as a way to punish women? After reading this source, I personally would say no matter the reason female circumcision is not really necessary because it is a painful brutal experience. However my conclusion may seem too extreme but I am saying this for this particular post and source.

The first scholarly source addresses some reasons female circumcision should be done. However, this source is totally against female circumcision because it highlights the health complications women themselves report that they experience after being circumcised. The complications vary but they can all increase the chance of death.

For the full source information, visit: http://www.cirp.org/pages/female/dirie1/

Source:
Dirie, M., and G. Lindmark. "The Risk of Medical Complications after Female Circumcision." The Risk of Medical Complications after Female Circumcision. EAST AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL, Sept. 1992. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.cirp.org/pages/female/dirie1/>.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Reasons for Female Circumcision. Post #3

Reasons for Female Circumcision. Source- Human's Right Quarterly.

Human Right's Quarterly published by The John Hopkins Press written by Alison T. Slack thoroughly explains female circumcision, its origins, myths, why it is done, where it is done, people who believe in it and other interesting information about it. However I will focus on a section of the literature piece that provides reasons why we should think female circumcision is not bad after all. The author provides three reasons to back up her argument for female circumcision. They are: "sexual control of females, religion, myths, and tradition."

Circumcision as a control mechanism- According to the author, in Muslim countries, they believe is that female virginity is precious so as a result circumcision should be done to females to destroy their sexual pleasure and to help keep their virginity.

Circumcision used to obey religion- According to the author, no religion addresses the issue of circumcision however, the practices can be related to Islam. The practice is done to reduce the women’s sexual contact before marriage because women should not have sex before marriage. The circumcision was used to keep the women pure and reserve the virginity which is very important in the Islamic society.

Circumcision as a myth- Women should be circumcised to increase the number of their childbirth experience, and to ensure the cleanliness of the genital area. There is also a myth that the clitoris is similar to the fore skin of the penis which justifies the reason of the procedure. Some believe women getting circumcised increases sexual pleasure for men. While some also believe that the clitoris can cause harm to the baby during childbirth

Circumcision and tradition- People who participate in female circumcision believe it is the best way to preserve tradition and pass it down to their generations. They believe it is used to represent their values, believes, ideas, and rules. They also believe it is symbol of adulthood in their culture.

The above reasons were used as a justification for female circumcision. However, the questions we should be asking ourselves are that are these reasons good enough for the pain and horrific experience these women go through. Should women get circumcised to increase the sexual pleasure of men? This reason shows that women are not treated equally as men. It shows that women are not as important as men. I see where the author is coming from when they wrote the reasons why women should get circumcised in the literature piece; however I do not agree with some of the reasons at all because they illustrates how unfairly women are treated. They show that women do no have a say for themselves. For example, it is very unfair for the society to think women should get circumcised for men. If anything, I think it should be a personal choice. Someone who cares about justice will ask, why sex is one of the criteria used to determine the qualification of female genital mutation? They may also ask if it is fair to compare make circumcision to female circumcision?

The scholarly source approaches the issue differently because it explains the idea from the perspective of a group of people and more than one culture while the web source shares the experience of a family and culture.

For the full text of the source visit: http://www.jstor.org.proxy.cc.uic.edu/stable/761916?seq=9

Source:
Slack, Alison T. "Female Circumcision: A Critical Appraisal." JSTOR. The John Hopkins University Press, n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2014. <http://www.jstor.org/stable/761916?seq=9>.

Monday, November 24, 2014

RIGHT OR WRONG-Culture vs.Pain. Post #2

RIGHT OR WRONG-Culture vs.Pain

Article-"Blood, Fear and Ritual: Witness to Female Circumcision in Kenya" by Andrew Katz

Rites of passage are performed to signify that one is prepared for a stage in life. Example of some stages are independence, marriage, or parenthood. In America, a rite of passage could be getting driver’s license at the age of 16, graduating high school, or paying for rent. These stages may illustrate that the person is ready to be an adult. According to my source, young girls get circumcised to demonstrate that they are qualified to get married. Female genital mutation remains a popular act in Africa, Middle East, and other 30 countries. The act impacts the woman’s health tremendously, however the practice is still done to show the lack of control women have over their bodies. The article explains how female circumcision is performed as a ritual needed in a woman’s life in order to be happy even though the person going through the experience is not happy. The article shares the experience of two young Kenya girls getting circumcised. The author described the horrific event.

The author explains that the day prior to the actual cutting, the girls were hairless. All their hair has been shaved off. Their body was cleaned with cow’s milk and the girls must not show and emotions because they would be a disgrace to their family. The parents would be recognized because their girls were about to “become women”. On the day of the cutting, the act is performed in their house so that they could get full recovery without any disturbance. The girls screamed out with pain and agony once they got cut. Blood was everywhere. Animal blood and products were given to the girls after the procedure to replace the blood loss. To me and others who may not agree with the act may say the experience is unfair, horrific, sad and painful. However, those who practice it totally believe it is part of culture and tradition; it must be done to prepare their young girls for womanhood. They do not believe it cause any health problems.

The more I read about culture, tradition, female circumcision, believes, rites, and rituals, it is hard for me to say I agree or disagree with the act. I am surprise it is still done in some parts of the world but these people believe it is needed for the women in their culture. Is that right, is it not right? It is a difficult answer because there would bias during the process of answering this question. Some people may still wonder why it is done, is it really necessary? However these questions require thought.

To read the original article go to: http://time.com/3425529/blood-fear-and-ritual-witness-to-female-circumcision-in-kenya/

Source:
Katz, Andrew. "Blood, Fear and Ritual: Witness to Female Circumcision in Kenya." Time. Time, 6 Feb. 2014. Web. 01 Dec. 2014. <http://time.com/3425529/blood-fear-and-ritual-witness-to-female-circumcision-in-kenya/>.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

INTRODUCTION TO CIRCUMCISION

YOU THOUGHT ONLY MALE GOT CIRCUMCISED, IT’S A LIE!! SOME WOMEN GET CIRCUMCISED TO!!! IMAGINE THAT.

How would you feel if your mouth was tied together but only untied when the person in power feels like releasing you? How would you feel if your nose was tied together and you could barely breathe? How would you feel if you did not have any right over your genital? These are some questions we need to ask ourselves in order to understand female circumcision and empathize for women who are deprived from their sexual rights. As a young female adult, I was surprise to find out that some women got circumcised because the society they live in believe that they did not need to have sex until they are married. Female circumcision similar to female genital mutilation is a brutal action down to women. Female circumcision is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia. or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The action is done to symbolize that women who experience this lack control over their body.

For more information, watch the link to the youtube video provided below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSNEgLgvzUY