Infibulation- A horror

In a world where talking about Menstruation is still considered taboo, Female Genital Mutilation goes unnoticed.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or another injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Infibulation is a type of Female Genital Mutilation. It is the practice of excising the clitoris and labia of a girl or woman and stitching together the edges of the vulva to prevent sexual intercourse. It is traditional in some north-eastern African cultures but is highly controversial. 

It is the process where the clitoral hood is completely or partially removed and then the vagina is stitched leaving behind a small hole for the girl to menstruate and urinate.

After that, the legs are tied with rope for 30 to 40 days so that the wound can heal and the girl is not allowed to move for the same reasons.

The stitches are opened on her wedding night by her husband so that he can mate with her. She is either cut or simply penetrated. This so-called RITUAL provides an 'assured virgin wife' to a man. 

Female genital mutilation is classified into 4 major types.

Type 1: this is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/ clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).

Type 2: this is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva ).

Type 3: Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans (Type I FGM).

Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.

Can you feel the pain? 

Isn't this horrific?

Nobody, I repeat, nobody can feel the pain and trauma a girl goes through.

In the name of rituals, certain ethnic groups in Asian countries practice FGM, including in communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In the Middle East, the practice occurs in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Iraq, Iran, and the State of Palestine. It is no doubt a global concern.

More than 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk for FGM annually. More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the practice, according to data from 30 countries where population data exist.

This horror falls upon a child who is 5 years old and they bleed to death. Oh, but being a virgin is so important to certain ethnic groups. In the name of societal concerns and purity, religion, or family the child suffers a terrible ritual.

It has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women as it involves the removal of healthy and normal female genital tissue, and interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. Generally speaking, risks of FGM increase with increasing severity (which here corresponds to the amount of tissue damaged), although all forms of FGM are associated with increased health risks.

Let's Just Stop This.