Female ablation, denial of women
Female ablation. Few practices can be so terrible and incomprehensible today. This ritual carried out in various towns in Africa and the Middle East, is considered, rather than a rite of initiation into adulthood, a ruthless way to veto women to feel any kind of sexual pleasure. With this, they aspire, "supposedly", to avoid the promiscuity of the woman by getting a virgin to the marriage, making sure that the children who give birth, are exclusively her husband. Justifiable? Absolutely. Understandable? Even less.
Elimination of pleasure to subject the woman to an unattractive fanaticism and harshly criticized by numerous international entities that, like many millions of anonymous people, defend human rights of any kind, of any person whatever their race or religion. But let's learn more about female ablation.
A terrible ritual: female ablation
This same summer we were surprised with alarming news: the Islamic State had ordered that all girls and women between 11 and 46 years of Mosul, the second city of Iraq, were subjected to ablation. The UN could not believe it, since this atrocious practice is not usual in Arab countries. In fact, it is almost non-existent in Iraq, only limited to areas of Erbil and Suleimaniya, in Kurdistan.
But for what purpose has this edict been enunciated now? The self-proclaimed caliph Abu Bakr al Baghdadi says that the basic purpose is "to remove women from debauchery and immorality." Thus, it is almost certain that a large part of the Iraqi people are against this edict, but given that many parts of the country are controlled by extremist and fanatical leaders. The UN has calculated that some 4 million women and minors will be mutilated.
1- Origin of the ritual of female ablation
The origin of the female ablation is somewhat uncertain, it is believed that it began in Ancient Egypt and later spread to the African continent, being in the center of this continent where it is most practiced. Humanitarian organizations have data that denounce the existence of this rite, even in some countries in Asia, Europe, Australia and even America. We imagine that the origin is in all those fanatical people who defend the value of their religious traditions. It does not matter in which country they are.
As a data to keep in mind we will tell you that more than 125 million women have suffered female circumcision all over the planet. They do not need to be rooted solely in the Muslim tradition , not at all, since they are also practiced by many Christian peoples. However, it should be noted the barbarism carried out in countries such as Sudan and Egypt, where it is estimated that over 27.2 million ablations may have been practiced over time. Fortunately, this custom was finally outlawed in 2008 (somewhat late, no doubt), taking place what would be the first trial in history. It was against a doctor and the father of a girl, a child who died after the operation.
2- Techniques to practice female ablation
The extirpation of the female genitalia can be total or partial. There are no hygienic conditions, terrible hemorrhages arise , the inevitable infections, infertility and even death. But supporters of this practice insist that it is a necessary religious goal, since with it, the libido of women is reduced, their virginity is preserved until they get married and eliminates any temptation to adultery.
The ablation, almost normally, is carried out by the older women of the town. Used razors, knives or crystals and there is seldom adequate hygienic conditions. They sit the girl, naked, on a low stool, and then immobilize her among a small group of women. They take her by the arms and chest, while others take care that her legs are separated. Then, the old woman takes the razor or the razor blade and removes the clitoris. Then, usually, infibulation continues : a cut is made along the lower lip to remove the meat inside the labium. The operation is repeated on the other side of the vulva. Inconceivable, there is no doubt.
We must also specify that there are different types of ablation, from those who completely or partially remove the clitoris, who also remove the labia minora leaving the labia majora, or what is known as Egyptian circumcision where the clitoris is removed, labia minora and labia, Then, sew both sides of the vulva until leaving only one opening for menstrual blood and urine. As you can suppose, there are many girls and women who end up dying.
We know that it has not been a pleasant reading, of course, we have only wanted to show a practice that continues to happen today despite the continual complaints from humanitarian organizations. Hopefully a day will come when we can say that female ablation has been completely eradicated, and that women have the right to remain what they are. A free person with the same right as anyone to be happy, to feel and enjoy their sexuality. Do you think it will be achieved?