Underlying Reasons for the Persistence of Female Genital Mutilation

desire’. On women the excision is focused upon the removal of the clitoris, which is where her
sexual pleasure is coming from. The reason behind which, is to kill sexual feelings amongst
women to make them satisfied with their husband, and he is guaranteed that she will not engage
in outside marital affairs 51 .
Religious:
As mentioned before, it is important to note that FGM is not a religious practice. The practice is
pre-dated the arrival of Christianity and Islam in Africa and is not a requirement in any religion
or religious writing. It is rather based on the interpretation of the people and is practiced by
Christians, Muslims, Jews and Indigenous religious groups.
Sociological:
Other scholars explain the practice in terms of initiation rites of development into adulthood. It
has social significance for females becoming a woman. In many areas in Africa an elaborate
ceremony surrounds the event and is rich in rituals and symbolism, with special songs and
dances intended to introduce the young girl to her duties and how to become a good wife and
mother 52 . Failure to perform FGM can in some communities result in shame and exclusion, and
the girl may in some cases not be likely to be considered for marriage or child bearing which is
an important social status for women in these societies 53 .
Hygiene:
In some African countries such as Egypt, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia, the external female
genitals are considered dirty. The purpose is to have the hair and all extended genitals removed
to have a smooth skin surface and therefore you have a clean body. It is also considered that the
female genitalia, when not cut, is ugly and disfigured, to the extent of beliefs that the clitoris may
grow and hang between ones legs. However, the effect of the procedure gives the unhygienic
51 Ibid, p. 35
52 Ibid, p. 39
53 Inncenti digest, Changing a harmful convention, p. 1
22