1. Female Circumcision Annabelle Park & Steven Noh

2. What is it anyways? Often called “female genital cutting” by Westerners In some cultures, only the girl’s clitoris is cut off In others, more is cut off. Worldwide, between 100 – 200 million females have been circumcised Common in parts of Muslim Africa and in some parts of Southeast Asia –In Egypt, 97% of the women have been circumcised Often called “female genital cutting” by Westerners In some cultures, only the girl’s clitoris is cut off In others, more is cut off. Worldwide, between 100 – 200 million females have been circumcised Common in parts of Muslim Africa and in some parts of Southeast Asia –In Egypt, 97% of the women have been circumcised

4. First, cut away most of the girl’s genitalia Then, sew together the remaining outer edges Next, bind the girl’s legs from her ankles to her waist for several weeks (scar tissue closes up the vagina) Leave a small opening the diameter of a pencil for the passage of urine and menstrual fluids First, cut away most of the girl’s genitalia Then, sew together the remaining outer edges Next, bind the girl’s legs from her ankles to her waist for several weeks (scar tissue closes up the vagina) Leave a small opening the diameter of a pencil for the passage of urine and menstrual fluids

5. The surgery takes place between age 4 and 8 –Some during seven to ten days after birth –Some after reaching adolescence In urban areas, physicians perform the operation In rural areas, a neighborhood woman perform the operation Shock, bleeding, infection, infertility, and death are common risks of the surgery Side effects include vaginal spasms, painful intercourse, and lack of orgasms The surgery takes place between age 4 and 8 –Some during seven to ten days after birth –Some after reaching adolescence In urban areas, physicians perform the operation In rural areas, a neighborhood woman perform the operation Shock, bleeding, infection, infertility, and death are common risks of the surgery Side effects include vaginal spasms, painful intercourse, and lack of orgasms

6. Why do they do it? (reason) Some groups believe that this custom: Reduces female sexual desire Make sure that a woman will be virgin at marriage After marriage, remain faithful to her husband A painful procedure is needed to reopen the closure to enable sexual intercourse. Some groups believe that this custom: Reduces female sexual desire Make sure that a woman will be virgin at marriage After marriage, remain faithful to her husband A painful procedure is needed to reopen the closure to enable sexual intercourse.

7. Women can’t bear children if they aren’t circumcised. A necessary part of raising a girl properly A way to prepare a girl for adulthood and marriage. Local structures of power and authority, such as community leaders, religious leaders, circumcisers, and even some medical personnel can contribute to upholding the practice. Women can’t bear children if they aren’t circumcised. A necessary part of raising a girl properly A way to prepare a girl for adulthood and marriage. Local structures of power and authority, such as community leaders, religious leaders, circumcisers, and even some medical personnel can contribute to upholding the practice.

8. Controversial Issue Some people in society (especially feminist) see the female circumcision as looking down or not treating women fairly. We see it as a form of ritual torture to control female sexuality. Men dominate the societies that practice it.

9. However for some group, it is their tradition so females are culturalized to the custom. Meaning, some females do not realize that even they did not had female circumcision, they still can bear children properly. They do not know that for us, it is uncommon.

10. Are we imposing our cultural value on their cultural value?

11. Sources http://graphics8.nytimes.com/ima ges/2008/01/18/magazine/20circ6.jpghttp://graphics8.nytimes.com/ima ges/2008/01/18/magazine/20circ6.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe dia/commons/4/43/Fgm_map.gifhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe dia/commons/4/43/Fgm_map.gif http://graphics8.nytimes.com/ima ges/2008/01/18/magazine/20circ6.jpghttp://graphics8.nytimes.com/ima ges/2008/01/18/magazine/20circ6.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe dia/commons/4/43/Fgm_map.gifhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe dia/commons/4/43/Fgm_map.gif