By: Ayyan Shaikhh
FGM, also known as Female Genitalia Mutilation is a ritual practice of cutting some or all external female genitalia. This practice is mostly found in developing countries where women are still considered to be inferior to men and among other FGM communities. It is also a practice often carried out in tribal areas of Pakistan.
To deprive someone of their right to their own body is an injustice. Consent is the key factor here. Since this practice is conducted on women at a very young age, they are unable to stop this or properly give their consent. Speaking against this practice within that community also alienates that person which makes it harder to identify such communities and then ultimately end such practices. What makes me more passionate about speaking up for this issue is the fact that there is a huge stigma around this conversation. Why are we stopped from talking about such inhumane practices? Why is this practice not taboo but a conversation involving this issue is?
It is deeply rooted in the fact that in some places, women are still objectified. They are still considered not their own person but someone's property. When are women going to own their bodies? Why is it always our body but their choice? Culture is a huge part of someone's identity. I am not saying that people should give up their centuries-old cultural values, but those that violate basic human rights should be eliminated. It is a no-brainer that we have evolved as social and moral creatures and that basic human rights have been guaranteed to everyone for decades now. However, it is also to be noted that cultural and ritual practices are still a big part of traditional people. That makes it a lot harder to change such atrocious practices. With people's inability to accept changes when it comes to their cultural values, such steps should be taken thoughtfully after they're properly planned out. While there are some movements to stop such ritualistic practices, there should be full-blown campaigns funded by the government of countries where this practice is common. Awareness campaigns might take a long time to bring change but it is necessary to start a change from within the community itself. Proper education should be provided to women everywhere so they can be aware of this infringement of their own rights.
We as individuals should also make it a habit to talk about such injustices so that this topic becomes a common one on the forefront of social movements. While I'm sure laws against such practices do exist, strict implementation of such laws should be ensured. It is a time of change and we need to make sure we play our designated parts in this because if not us, then who will? It is our duty to make sure we speak against such issues because that could have been us. We need to acknowledge our privileges and then use them to empower others. Everyone deserves to have their body autonomy because no matter what, only we have the right to decide what happens to our bodies.
(Image from here.)
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