Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a very common practice in Somalia. Most of the Somali girls between 4 and 7 are subjected to these practices. It is called (Gudnin), which means infibulations.
In order to justify the female genital mutilation, most of the people in Somalia use factors like religion, sexuality and tradition.
Somalia is a patriarchal society and the man is the one who provides everything and in the same time, he has a big responsibility toward the woman. Therefore, the woman must be a virgin in order to be eligible for marriage. That is why the practice of (FGM) continues.
In Somali language (Gudnin), means infibulations and it is called pharonic circumcision that consist of removal of all or part of the labia minora, the labia majora). Then, whoever is doing this kind of operation will stitch up living a small hole for the urine and menstrual to come out.
Women’s groups in Galkayo are lobbing the authority in Puntland to ban female genital mutilation (FGM).
“Unfortunately, we have noticed that instead of decreasing, the practice seems to be re-emerging, particularly in camps for the displaced," said Lul Madar, head of the Mudug Women's Development Network, one of the organizations pushing for the enactment of an anti-FGM/C law.
The practice of FGM is increasing where more internally displaced people (IDP) are living, because there is more incident of rape.
“We have many parents who believe that if the girl is cut, it will make it hard for the rapist; unfortunately, it won't stop the rapist but will only add to the suffering of the woman," she said.
In Mogadishu digital Journal has talked to Hawa Qayaad an MP and head of the Parliamentary Commission on Human Wright and she said: “The Somali women are suffering because of this practice. This is just a culture and doesn’t have anything to do with any religion. We have to educate our society, men and women alike.”
“We could save Somali women from the risks of severe blood loss, shock and infection, longer-term problems associated with FGM/C include infections of the urinary and reproductive tracts, infertility and a range of obstetric complications.” concluded Hawa Qayaad.
Source: www.digitaljournal.com
Well a religion like islam that promotes absuses of woman and puts so much weight on women staying virgins for the honor of the man practises like this are not suprising. anythingand everything to gaurd and inprison women sexuality, like it is an evil curse. Rape the fault of the girl, and not only that but a rape when sewn up will be far more painful? Being sewn up wont keep someone from having sexual fantasies. Duh. Backwards ways. Yall need feminist movement and islamic reform. This has nothing to do with God. Your using God to justify evils.
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