Reproductive Rights & Health

Female Genital Cutting What is FGC Severity varies Originally ‘female circumcision’ Why FGC instead of FGM? Commonalities where commonly practiced Across regions, religions, diff. practices Poorest – hardest to reach Consequences Health complications, even death ¤

Female Genital Cutting (cont.) What rationale is given for FGC? Rite of passage Health necessity Practitioners Socially accepted daughters Curb sexual urges, ensure virginity Why should we care? Practice persists Counter concerns as cultural imperialism ¤

Menstrual Management What is menstrual management? ♀ in poorer areas Need for education, supplies Consequences of lack of MM Health complications, even death Miss school ↓ econ. opportunities Women sequestered Pass laws, but not obeyed/enforced ¤

Menstrual Management (cont.) Rationale Health necessity  unclean Religious and/or cultural norm Way to control ♀ Movement to support MM Provide education Provide supplies Provide toilets Challenge attitudes, start open dialogue Why should we care? ¤

Recap Political issues Economic issues Laws or lack of Human rights issues Economic issues Access Dev. level- likelihood, solutions Product availability Medical access, unsterile conditions ¤

Recap (cont.) Sociocultural issues Transnational issues Family/community influence Attitudes Religion Transnational issues GS needs support Problems transcend borders Practices relocate, asylum, barrier to dev. Solutions can also transcend borders Grassroots mvts. to end FGC, promote MM ¤