World Systems @ KSU

WHAT IS F.G.M.: Female genital mutilation of which there are varying degrees.  Inflicted on girls the horrifying procedure leaves lifelong physical, mental and emotional scars.  HOW IS IT PERFORMED: Held down by older women, their legs are forced open, the clitoris, libia minor and libia major are cut off then sewn together or held together with thorns.  A razor blade, penknife, piece of glass or sharp piece of tin are used for the procedure and no painkiller is used.  In some cases the child is made to sit in cold water before hand to slightly numb the area.    The little girl's legs are then bound for 40 days while a scar forms sealing her shut except for a small opening for urine and menstrual blood.  Many die from shock and blood loss but the death is attributed to bad spirits. The psychological terror associated with the procedure leaves many in post traumatic stress and shock.  Emotionally they may never recover.  Marital relations can include being cut open on the wedding night which assures the male of a virgin.  Childbirth is an absolute nightmare and also quite often results in death for both the child and the mother.  HOW MANY ARE AFFECTED: According to Amnesty International, six girls a minute are subject to various forms of fgm.