Psychology

Female circumcision popularly referred to as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of the external genitalia of women. The parts removed include the clitoris, the labia and the openings into the urethral and vaginal cavities. Compared to male circumcision, the degree of tissue removal is much more in female circumcision.

There are four types of female genital mutilation. The most common, called type 1, involves holding the clitoris between the thump and index finger, stretching it out and cutting it off with a sharp blade. To stop bleeding, gauze is applied to the wound and in cases where the mutilation is being performed by a professional, stitching may be done.

Type 2 involves the removal of the clitoris just like in type 1 but the vaginal lips (Labia Minora) are removed either partially or fully. In type 3, a lot of tissue is removed. This is the most gruesome form as the clitoris, the Labia Minora and the inner surfaces of the Labia Majora. Thorns or poultices are then used to hold the raw edges of the Labia Majora together for a period of about six weeks until they have healed.

Type for of FGM is unclassified and involves varied procedures.  Pricking, stretching or incising of the clitoris and, or the Labia Majora. Alternatively, the clitoris can be cauterized by burning or subjected to herbal medicine or chemical corrosives.

Female genital mutilation is common in some cultures in Africa and in certain Islamic cultures. It is supposed to be a rite of passage into adulthood but there has been a lot of condemnation for the practice. FGM can result to death or seriously affect the ability of the victims of bearing children (Bettina, 2006). Where it is performed under unhygienic conditions, infections may result. Since it is mostly performed to girls between the ages of 10 and 17, it is a violation of childrens rights.