Infibulation: Infibulation is a severe form of female genital mutilation (FGM) that involves the removal of the external genitalia, specifically the clitoris and labia, and the stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening. The procedure is typically performed for cultural, traditional, or religious reasons, often in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is illegal in many countries and is widely condemned by international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) for its violation of human rights and the severe physical and psychological harm it causes.
So it is the basically practice of removing a girl or woman's clitoris and labia and sewing the edges of the vulva to prevent sexual intercourse. In this practice, the vagina is completely shaved and stitched to prevent the girl from engaging in sexual activity.
This practice is typically carried out on young girls and is rooted in cultural beliefs related to controlling female sexuality, preserving purity, and ensuring marriageability. Infibulation can lead to severe health issues, such as infections, chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and long-term psychological trauma. It is recognized as a human rights violation and is illegal in many countries. However, it still occurs in some regions due to deep cultural traditions.
How is the Infibulation done ?
The vagina is sealed, leaving a small hole so the girl can menstruate or urinate.
The girl's feet are tied with a rope for several days so that the wound can heal. The wound usually takes 15 to 40 days to heal. During this time the girl's legs remain tied and she is unable to move.
Basically, the stitches are placed so that the husband can open them again on the wedding night so that he can have intimate intercourse with her. Imagine someone opens the stitches and immediately has sex with them.
Imagine the pain, I mean intense pain!!! Imagine the painful experience, the pain that the girl must have endured.
Isn't it better to do this rather than letting him decide whether he wants to marry a virgin or not? When giving birth, many women require repeated incisions because the vaginal opening is too small for the baby to pass through.
It also causes urinary infections, fistula and infertility etc. in women. The worst part is that women do this in Africa!!! I think this is where feminism should start.
When did Infibulation start ?
The practice of infibulation has ancient roots, dating back thousands of years, but its exact origin is not clearly documented. It is believed to have started in certain communities in Africa, particularly in regions of the Horn of Africa and along the Nile Valley, possibly as far back as the time of ancient Egypt.
The reasons for its emergence are tied to cultural and social beliefs about controlling women's sexuality, ensuring chastity before marriage, and increasing the chances of marriage. Over time, it became ingrained in certain societies as a rite of passage, though the reasons vary across different cultures and regions.
Today, it is still practiced in some parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, despite widespread efforts to eradicate it through education, legal enforcement, and international human rights campaigns.
This is what African feminists should focus on, rather than debating tasks like washing dishes or cooking, which are less significant in the larger context.
For your information, let us tell you that it is still prevalent in some parts of Africa. According to research, it was also prevalent in North America, Australia and New Zealand. this is heartbreaking.
How can Infibulation be stopped ?
Ending the practice of infibulation and other forms of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) requires a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach. Here's how the issue can be addressed:
Education and Awareness Community Outreach:
Engage communities where FGM is practiced, raising awareness about its health risks and human rights implications. Using local leaders, including religious and cultural figures, to speak out against it can be impactful.
School Programs: Educate both boys and girls about the dangers of FGM, focusing on gender equality and the health risks associated with the practice.
Media Campaigns: Use radio, television, and social media to spread awareness about FGM’s harmful effects and the laws prohibiting it.G
Girls do not deserve this abuse just because they are girls. And the strangest thing is that no ideological movement has tried to raise this issue or talk about it
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