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FGM: A Human Rights Violation
End FGM, an organization campaigning to end Female Genital Mutilation, says that there are several reasons provided to justify the practice of FGM.
FGM is often used to control women's sexuality, in many cultures, in order to get married women must be a virgin. Genital mutilation reduces the likelihood that a woman will have "extramarital sex thereby preserving a girl's virginity".
FGM is also used sometimes to teach a girl her "place in society". The trauma of mutilation often affects the girl's personality, increasing docility and obedience makes them the lesser gender to men.
Cultural identity is another factor in the practice of FGM. In some cultures it is considered initiation into womanhood. Likewise, in some religions, it is practiced as one of the initiations into the religion.
Regardless of the "reason", FGM has no health benefits for women. The process itself causes unimaginable pain that continues throughout the woman's life. If FGM does not kill the woman, it can cause severe bleeding, problems urinating, cysts, infections, infertility and contribute to childbirth complications, and an increased risk of newborn deaths.
Over 125 million females currently living have been mutilated in 29 countries in Africa and Middle East. Approximately 3 million women per year - 8000 girls per day. A majority of FGM is practiced on young girls between infancy and age 15.
FGM is inhumane, and a violation of human rights. It must be stopped.