Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Female Genital Mutilation




Titled "Razor Blade" by LOWE GGK - a campaign ad against female circumcision

Female Genital Circumcision/Mutilation refers to the amputation of any part of the female genitalia. Practiced mainly in some parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Different forms of FGM:

  • Clitoridotomy - removal or splitting of the tip of the clitoris;
  • Clitoridectomy - removal of the clitoris and surrounding labia;
  • Infibulation - the removal of the clitoris and labia and the sewing up of the vagina, leaving only a small opening for urine and mestrual blood. It is said that young brides who had this form of circumcision have to be cut open to allow sex during the couples first night. It is then customarily sewn afterwards.

wikipedia entry

BBC