Mother’s Perception towards Hazards of Female Circumcision in Rural Community

Abstract

Female circumcision is a way to control women’s sexuality, Female circumcision is a main manifestation of gender inequality and discrimination “related to the historical suppression and subjugation of women,” denying girls and women the full enjoyment of their rights and liberties (Long & Decker, 2011). Female circumcision is a reflection of the amount of genital organs removed and the pain and damage it inflicts on girls and women. Unlike male circumcision which entails only the removal of the foreskin in the penis, female circumcision involves removal of genital organs ranging from clitoridectomy- the removal of the prepuce or hood of the clitoris; excision- the removal of the clitoris and all or part of the labia minora; to infibulation which involves the removal of the clitoris, the labia minora and most of the labia majora (Alison, 2015).