This piece aims to uncover the infringement of human rights caused by female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, as well as to explore the adverse physical and psychological consequences that women and girls experience as a result of FGM. Furthermore, it will examine the efforts being made to eliminate FGM in Liberia and call for action to end this harmful traditional practice.
The nonmedical removal of external female genitalia, known as female genital mutilation, is a violation of the human rights of women and girls and is a harmful and invasive practice. This procedure is often done without consent or anesthesia in unsanitary conditions. Despite being illegal, FGM is still widely practiced in Liberia.
Female genital mutilation causes serious health complications for women and girls. While some women and girls may not experience any physical sensations from undergoing this harmful traditional practice, many have tragically lost their lives as a result of it. The harmful practice of female genital mutilation has caused significant harm to women and girls. Experts recommend either eliminating the practice entirely or only performing it with the individual's consent, and not when they are unable to make decisions about their bodies. In conclusion, research has shown that female genital mutilation is a harmful tradition that must be completely eradicated.
UNCOVERING THE HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM) AND THE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES ON WOMEN AND GIRLS IN LIBERIA
BRUTUS JENTZEN HUNDER
ABSTRACT
The non-medical removal of external female genitalia, known as female genital mutilation (FGM), is a violation of the human rights of women and girls and is a harmful and invasive practice. This procedure is often done without consent or anesthesia in unsanitary conditions. Despite being illegal, FGM is still widely practiced in Liberia. This piece aims to uncover the infringement of human rights caused by female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, as well as to explore the adverse physical and psychological consequences that women and girls experience as a result of FGM. Furthermore, it will examine the efforts being made to eliminate FGM in Liberia and call for action to end this harmful traditional practice.1
Female genital mutilation causes serious health complications for women and girls. While some women and girls may not experience any physical sensations from undergoing this harmful traditional practice, many have tragically lost their lives as a result of it. The harmful practice of female genital mutilation has caused significant harm to women and girls. Experts recommend either eliminating the practice entirely or only performing it with the individual's consent, and not when they are unable to make decisions about their bodies. In conclusion, research has shown that female genital mutilation is a harmful tradition that must be completely eradicated. This practice does not provide any health benefits and instead causes health problems for women and girls, which have even resulted in fatalities. The research provides the following recommendations to the government, Traditional leaders, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate on a national call to raise awareness, especially in rural communities on the negative effects of (FGM). Relevant stakeholders to create a platform where victims of (FGM) will share their different experiences on the effects of (FGM)2.
Keywords:Female, Genital, Tradition, Mutilation, Culture, Harmful, Practice, Liberia
1. INTRODUCTION
The alteration or damage of female genitalia without medical justification is known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This refers to the complete or partial removal of the external female genitalia or damage to the female genital organs. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that can cause lasting physical and psychological damage. It is considered a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 200 million females around the world have experienced FGM. The practice is most common in Africa, the Middle East, and some parts of Asia, but it also happens in certain communities in Europe and North America.
In Liberia, FGM is a deeply entrenched cultural practice that affects a significant number of girls and women. Female genital mutilation (FGM) has been experienced by around half of the women aged 15 to 49 in Liberia, as per the 2017 Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (LDHS). The practice is most prevalent in rural areas, where up to 75% of women have been subjected to FGM.
The practice of Female Genital Mutilation involves the unnecessary removal or harm of female genital organs. The misconception of traditional leaders holds believe that this is considered appropriate sexual behavior. It is believed that it preserves virginity and keeps marital faithfulness and prevents promiscuity/prostitution.
Liberian culture has a long-standing tradition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is viewed as a crucial step towards womanhood, marriage, and adult responsibilities. The practice is shrouded in secrecy and taboo, with links to secret societies like Sande, making it challenging to discourse. The origins of female genital mutilation (FGM) are unknown. One theory suggests it emerged in Sub-Saharan Africa with the arrival of Islam, while another posits that certain ethnic communities created the practice. FGM has been practiced for over 2000 years and is prevalent in traditional communities with patriarchal structures.3
In Africa, FGM is widespread and WHO categorized it into four types in 2008. Female genital mutilation can be classified into four types. The primary sort contains the partial or complete removal of the clitoris and/or prepuce (known as clitoridectomy). The second category involves the partial or complete removal of the labia minora without excising the labia minora (known as excision). Excision is sometimes used to refer to all forms of female genital mutilation. The third category involves narrowing the vaginal opening by cutting and positioning the labia minora, with or without excision of the clitoris (known as infibulation). The fourth category encompasses all harmful procedures performed on the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization.4
During ancient times in Rome, a technique was employed to avoid pregnancy in female slaves by placing a ring through their labia minora. Furthermore, a faction known as the Scouts' sect would verify that the slaves remained chaste. Nevertheless, clandestine organizations such as the Sande are not subject to government oversight due to politicians' apprehension of losing support if they criticize them.
In addition, activists and journalists who speak out against FGM may face physical harm and intimidation. The NATPAH is a group dedicated to enhancing the well-being of women and children in Liberia. Regrettably, the leader's residence was burned down following her advocacy against female genital mutilation (FGM) at the United Nations. This is part of a larger global issue where one girl undergoes FGM every ten seconds, resulting in 3 million cases per year. By 2024, if no action is taken, an additional 30 million girls in Africa will be impacted by FGM, which will increase the already alarming number of 140 million girls who have undergone the practice.
In 28 African countries, particularly in the region spanning from Senegal to Egypt, including Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, feminine genital disfigurement is a prevalent custom. The issue was recognized by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights in 2008. Moreover, this practice is observed by numerous nations in Asia and the Middle East, as well as specific factions in North America, Australasia, and Europe.
The Sande initiation is viewed as savage and lacks any religious importance. It causes harm to females and youngsters and has no practical value. In the past, many girls underwent this initiation, but a Christian hospital's personnel intervened and arranged for Kpelle medical professionals to conduct the ceremonies in secrecy in the woods.
The initiation rates in the bush were effectively reduced by this method, which was considered a temporary measure until tribal leaders could address and eliminate the harmful treatment of women. Meanwhile, Western medical professionals believed that performing surgeries would be more life-saving. However, the World Health Organization has now issued a declaration barring wholly health workers from acting this procedure.
The collaboration between the government and NGOs, known as the Pathways Referral Program, has simplified the process for victims to obtain medical, psychosocial, legal, and counseling aid. The Gender and Based Violence Bill of 2008 mandates the establishment of a special court to handle cases of assault, such as abuse of minors, in Montserrado County (Court E) and other local courts have exclusive original jurisdiction. In 2013, the US Department of State reported that the Ministry of Justice's unit for prosecuting gender-based violence works with NGOs, international donors, and a special court to raise awareness about gender-based violence issues.
The national effort to combat gender-based violence (SGBV) is spearheaded by the Ministry of Gender, in collaboration with numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) dedicated to tackling these challenges. Most recently team from the SGBV under the Ministry of Gender, pay a visit to Henry's town to meet with traditional leaders to discuss and examine complaints brought by members of their community who frown on the exercise of feminine genital disfigurement, many residents asserted that girls children was pressure to join the Sande society something they see as old traditional practices, and went further to narrate that there has not been any profitable things that can be point to as achievement since the assistance of this initiative. This habit has instilled fears in some parents living in that area.
Gbarpolu is located in the northern part of Liberia, research and statistics have shown practices of FGM in that area. They are closely surrounded by Bomi and Cape Mount and stretch into Lofa, most of its territory is forest. The Mandingo and Kpelle are mainly found in that area. While recognizing a supreme deity, the Kpelle people primarily direct their attention toward the spirits that oversee clandestine organizations. Female genital mutilation is rationalized as a means of controlling female sexuality. Girls as early as 12 are taken there and women up to 49 years to perform the initiation on them. According to Bledsoe, girls do not acquire new knowledge from bush schools despite the widespread belief that these schools are crucial for cultural education. The practice of female genital mutilation is prevalent among women and girls in Liberia, often introduced to them during their early years.
2. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF FGM IN LIBERIA
2.1 Traditional Beliefs and Values in Liberia
In Liberia, a nation that prides itself on its varied culture, conventional principles, and ethics are highly regarded by its people. Some groups in Liberia maintain that female genital mutilation (FGM) is crucial for preserving a girl's chastity, enhancing her prospects of finding a spouse and fostering hygiene and well-being. FGM has been practiced in Liberia for centuries and is deeply rooted in traditional cultural practices. The practice has been passed down through generations and is often performed by traditional practitioners known as 'bush doctors' or 'sande society' members.
The cultural tradition of female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered necessary for young girls to become adults and get married in some parts of Liberia. This practice is usually done during puberty or before marriage.
Many communities attach great symbolic importance to the cultural tradition of female genital mutilation, which continues to be practiced due to factors such as peer pressure, fear of exclusion from resources and opportunities, and the desire to marry (Varol et al., 2014).5The practice of FGM is often motivated by tradition, particularly among women who allow their children to undergo the procedure. Other factors include cultural identity, family honor, hygiene, health, preservation of virginity, and male pleasure. Additionally, some view FGM as necessary for spiritual and religious purity. (Sources: Kaplan et al., 2013 Mohamud et al., 1999).
UNICEF's 2006 report states that eight African countries have a high prevalence of FGM/C, with more than 80% of females affected. Somalia has the highest prevalence at 98%, followed by Guinea, Djibouti, and Egypt with over 90%, and Eritrea, Mali, Sierra Leone, and Sudan with over 80%. Although to a lesser extent, the practice is also present in some ethnic groups in Central and South America (WHO, 2008). The precise number of affected females is uncertain (Fund & Gupta, 2013).
In urban areas, female genital mutilation (FGM) is being medicalized by using anesthesia to make it seem more socially acceptable. Despite this, the World Health Organization (WHO) condemns healthcare providers who perform FGM, as it violates the rights of girls and women to life, physical integrity, and health, and goes against the principle of no harm.
Some people consider female genital mutilation (FGM) to be a traditional ritual for girls becoming women and a way to protect them from harm by making them unable to have vaginal intercourse. Communities enforce FGM through ceremonies that honor circumcised girls and ostracize those who are not. Non-compliance with this tradition is also feared to incur divine retribution. Mothers may subject their daughters to FGM to shield them, secure their marital prospects, gain social approval, and attain financial stability. (Varol et al, 2014)
2.2 Forms and Types of FGM Practiced in Liberia
The most prevalent types of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia are clitoridectomy and excision. These procedures involve the removal of the clitoris and labia minora. Infibulation, the most severe form of FGM, is rarely practiced in Liberia and involves the removal of the clitoris, and labia minora, and the narrowing of the vaginal opening through stitching.
In addition to the three types of FGM mentioned above, there are other forms of FGM practiced in Liberia that involve injury to the female genital organs, such as piercing, pricking, or scraping.
3. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF FGM AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
3.1 International Laws and Treaties Addressing FGM
The practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a breach of human rights as it encroaches upon a woman's entitlement to bodily and psychological wellness, exemption from aggression and bias, and availability of adequate healthcare. FGM can result in a range of physical and psychological consequences, including severe pain, infection, bleeding, sexual problems, and even death.
The international community has acknowledged FGM as a human rights violation and implemented various laws and treaties to eradicate it. Following the United Nations General Assembly's call for a global ban on FGM in 2012, multiple countries have prohibited the practice.
Several international organizations and NGOs are working to end FGM in Liberia, including UNICEF, WHO, and Plan International. These organizations are implementing awareness-raising campaigns, and providing training to health workers and traditional practitioners, and their support is behind local initiatives aimed at promoting the cessation of this conduct within their respective communities. There are also local organizations in Liberia that are working to end FGM, such as the Liberia Feminist Forum and the Liberia Crusaders for Peace. Although efforts have been made, the harmful practice of FGM is still widespread in Liberia. More action is necessary to eradicate it completely6.
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12022, Female Genital Mutilation Survivors in Liberia
2(2017). FMG/C, HARMFUL PRACTICES, AND RECENT MIGRATION FLOWS.
3World Health Organization, (2011).
42020, Pharmacists practicing in family medicine groups
5Kaplan et al., 2013
6UNFPA, 2015
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