R

ecently a documentary featured on international news channel CNN focused on female genital mutilation (FGM). The story portrayed heart-wrenching tales of women who have undergone it. FGM is practiced as a cultural tradition or ritual in certain communities across the world.

FGM is mainly prevalent in Africa, the Middle East, Asia and some other parts of the world. The partisans of FMG are males in patriarchal societies who force it upon girls as a part of community practice. The reasons cited for this hold no medical ground other than being a tradition. In fact, it only does harm to the women.

Little girls from infancy up to the age of 15 are made to undergo this procedure, wherein the external part of the female genitalia is partially or fully excised.

The procedure is usually done without local anesthesia or proper medical facilities and is performed by untrained men. Sharp instruments like scissors or a scalpel are used to excise the part. Sometimes even pricking, piercing or burning is done. Generations of women have been subjected to this.

The immediate effects can be severe bleeding, immense pain and even shock. Damaging this area not only disturbs the body'€™s functions but its long term effects are urinary difficulties, pelvic infections, deformed reproductive organs and difficulty in labor.

FGM has been practiced for many years, but now thanks to rising awareness many women are unwilling to let their daughters go through it. Some even seek asylum in other countries to escape it.

Still many mothers don'€™t want their daughters to undergo the same agony they have suffered, but due to societal pressures they are not able to raise their voice openly.

The fear of being ostracized and facing societal punishment is the reason for their silence.

There are no known medical benefits of FGM. The lack of knowledge exposes these girls to many threatening infections and the possibility of permanent damage to organs. The risks associated with it are numerous whereas the benefits are nil. There are complications that last a lifetime.

International laws consider FGM as a violation of human rights. Perhaps the supporters of FGM should hear the fearful shrills and view the anguish in the eyes of the countless girls who endure this.

It is high time that such agonizing practices, which cause pain and suffering for umpteen children, be discouraged.

Niharika Ghosh
Purwakarta, West Java