Female Genital Mutilation

[Sykee]

Fristly, in response to the roll call, I thought I'd put in my little fist.

I'm interested in the failure of feminism in helping sisters who aren't white/western and middle class over the past two centuries.

Specifically, after my finals I will be getting involved in FORWARD (http://www.womeninlondon.org.uk/forward.htm) and trying to understand the issues surrounding female genital mutilation. I had no idea how much of it goes on among my folk in Nigeria, I feel very sheltered. Just something to start some discussion

[mecca360]

I saw a documentary on this a few months ago!!!! OMG!!!

It appeared that it was seen as a form of "uncleanliness"

it seems horrible, but i do conprehend that it is part of their culture...

[Sykee]

Well one of the biggest issues with this is the proportion of women that die due to complications with the procedure- as a non-medical, unnecessary cultural practice this is unacceptable. Also, a FORWARD survey found that the most commonly cited reason for performing this practice was that it was 'good tradition'. Cleanliness, chastity, marriage prospects were rarely given as reasons. It is so invasive and painful, and seems a particularly barbaric and unfair form of female oppression. In Sudan they have at least taken measures to police it which I think is the way forward. I just cannot see how anyone can see death from bleeding and infection as a necessary risk. it was practiced in the UK up until the 1960s as 'treatment' for lesbianism, and while the root is obviously misogyny, the branches and leaves that have sprouted have many names.

[mecca360]

So what particular course of action is being taken by this organization???