FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) in Uganda
The World Health Organization defines female genital mutilation as "the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia . . . for cultural and other non-therapeutic reasons."
This practice, also known as "female circumcision," "FGM," or "female genital cutting," is deeply rooted in many traditional cultures, and in Africa it often serves as a rite of passage or as preparation for marriage. Usually the goal of female genital cutting is to reduce or excise the clitoris, in order to reduce sexual sensitivity, but often all parts of the external genitals are removed, and sometimes the wound is stitched shut (infibulation).
In Uganda, FGM is practiced by a minority of the population, primarily the Sabiny (Sebei), Pokot, and Tepeth tribes, whose homes are in eastern Uganda adjacent to Kenya, on Mt. Elgon or in the Karamoja region. Parts of these areas are so remote and isolated that the people do not receive newspapers, radio or television signals, or visitors. Many people living here have never heard of the idea of not circumcising their daughters. Most have no knowledge of the new Ugandan law prohibiting the practice.
For Sabiny and Pokot girls, the clitoris, labia minora, and sometimes labia majora are cut away with a ritual knife, without anesthesia, by a traditional surgeon, who usually has no knowledge of anatomy or hygiene. "Female circumcision," the preferred term, is a counterpart to male circumcision, and by tradition its practice is woven into every aspect of social life.
Without being cut, a girl is not considered a woman. She may not marry, speak or dance in public, or touch food or eating utensils used by others. She is ostracized as being unclean and bad luck. Among the Sabiny, girls are expected to be cut around the age of 15, and among the Pokot, as young as 8 or 9 years old, at the earliest signs of puberty. In some cultures, girls are held down to be cut, but among the Sabiny and Pokot, a girl is not restrained, and she may not even blink an eye in reaction to the pain. If she shows fear, she will be shamed for a lifetime and will be unlikely to find a good husband.
Although all girls are expected to endure genital cutting, partly to demonstrate their bravery, they cannot escape the physical consequences, sometimes immediately including death from hemorrhage or shock, or later, from infection or from HIV/AIDS acquired by sharing the circumcision knife. Because of extensive scarring and narrowing of the birth canal from FGM, childbirth is hazardous for both mother and baby. In addition, traditional surgeons' cuts sometimes go awry and cause lameness, incontinence, and many other lifelong problems. Psychological trauma also results. FGM is not reversible and has no therapeutic value.
Although FGM is ancient and occurs in at least 28 African countries and several in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, it has spread to North America, Europe, and Australia as well, brought there by immigrants, who continue the practice secretly.
The young Pokot girls in the photo below have emerged from their hut during the seclusion period after being cut. They will be married within a few weeks. They use the special black cowskins to cover themselves whenever they go outside, as they are not supposed to be seen by men until their "coming out" celebration. This picture was taken by one of our goddaughters, Betty Moreen, as part of a research requirement for her university degree.
Can we stop FGM?
This practice, also known as "female circumcision," "FGM," or "female genital cutting," is deeply rooted in many traditional cultures, and in Africa it often serves as a rite of passage or as preparation for marriage. Usually the goal of female genital cutting is to reduce or excise the clitoris, in order to reduce sexual sensitivity, but often all parts of the external genitals are removed, and sometimes the wound is stitched shut (infibulation).
In Uganda, FGM is practiced by a minority of the population, primarily the Sabiny (Sebei), Pokot, and Tepeth tribes, whose homes are in eastern Uganda adjacent to Kenya, on Mt. Elgon or in the Karamoja region. Parts of these areas are so remote and isolated that the people do not receive newspapers, radio or television signals, or visitors. Many people living here have never heard of the idea of not circumcising their daughters. Most have no knowledge of the new Ugandan law prohibiting the practice.
For Sabiny and Pokot girls, the clitoris, labia minora, and sometimes labia majora are cut away with a ritual knife, without anesthesia, by a traditional surgeon, who usually has no knowledge of anatomy or hygiene. "Female circumcision," the preferred term, is a counterpart to male circumcision, and by tradition its practice is woven into every aspect of social life.
Without being cut, a girl is not considered a woman. She may not marry, speak or dance in public, or touch food or eating utensils used by others. She is ostracized as being unclean and bad luck. Among the Sabiny, girls are expected to be cut around the age of 15, and among the Pokot, as young as 8 or 9 years old, at the earliest signs of puberty. In some cultures, girls are held down to be cut, but among the Sabiny and Pokot, a girl is not restrained, and she may not even blink an eye in reaction to the pain. If she shows fear, she will be shamed for a lifetime and will be unlikely to find a good husband.
Although all girls are expected to endure genital cutting, partly to demonstrate their bravery, they cannot escape the physical consequences, sometimes immediately including death from hemorrhage or shock, or later, from infection or from HIV/AIDS acquired by sharing the circumcision knife. Because of extensive scarring and narrowing of the birth canal from FGM, childbirth is hazardous for both mother and baby. In addition, traditional surgeons' cuts sometimes go awry and cause lameness, incontinence, and many other lifelong problems. Psychological trauma also results. FGM is not reversible and has no therapeutic value.
Although FGM is ancient and occurs in at least 28 African countries and several in the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, it has spread to North America, Europe, and Australia as well, brought there by immigrants, who continue the practice secretly.
The young Pokot girls in the photo below have emerged from their hut during the seclusion period after being cut. They will be married within a few weeks. They use the special black cowskins to cover themselves whenever they go outside, as they are not supposed to be seen by men until their "coming out" celebration. This picture was taken by one of our goddaughters, Betty Moreen, as part of a research requirement for her university degree.
Can we stop FGM?
