More than one hundred million women living in Africa have undergone the painful procedure of female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs. Three million more African girls are at risk every year. FGM is a gross human rights violation and an extreme and violent form of discrimination, and despite over two decades of campaigning against it, the practice continues.
A native of Ghana, Efua Dorkenoo was the first World Health Organization technical expert on FGM and played a pioneering role in having the procedure recognized as a human rights issue and introducing it onto the agenda of governments. Based on her research and practical experience, Dorkenoo discusses FGM from a range of perspectives, providing unusual insight and statistical data and debunking common myths and misconceptions. She addresses the current worldwide trends in FGM; the potential health risks; the meaning of the practice in the context of the rights of girls and women; the forces keeping FGM alive today; and whether the procedure can be eliminated through education and practical change. Many girls seek out FGM in order to be physically equal to their peers, but that does not make the excision any less painful or violating. FGM is intended to suppress and control the sexual behavior of girls and women-almost like a chastity belt made from the victim's own flesh. This book is a definitive resource on the origins of FGM, its sexual and religious justifications, and its psychological consequences, and through its publication, Dorkenoo hopes to create further awareness of FGM throughout the world.
