The International Day for Zero tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was held last week, and the major observation was that the practice had mutated and was being undertaken in diverse forms to escape the law. FGM has been practiced for a long time in Sub Saharan Africa and many of its proponents don’t know its origins and its original intents. They practice something that they cannot explain its rationale despite the dangers thereon hence there is need to sensitize people. The existence of FGM goes back to 2B.C as described by Geographer Agatharchides of Cnidus, detailing how it was practiced among the tribes residing on the western coast of the red sea (modern day Egypt). The practice then spread south and west as it was rooted in pharaonic belief in the bisexuality of the gods, which was manifested in belief that mortals too had this trait of gods, which justified the possession of both male and female souls in an individual. They believed that the feminine soul of man was located in the prepuce of his private parts while the masculine soul of the woman was located in her private parts. It was further believed that the female soul had to be excised from the “man” and the male soul from the “woman” through circumcision of boys and girls. This practice was borrowed by other African tribes, but some didn’t adapt it.
Earlier on before the advent of greater civilization, Egyptians raided territories to the south for slaves who were then exported to areas along the Persian Gulf and beyond. Evidence shows that between the 15th and 16th centuries, female slaves were sold at a higher price if they were “sewn up” such that they wouldn’t give birth. Africans are thought to have adopted FGM because it was believed to have control on women’s sexuality by lowering their sexual instincts and preventing pre and post marital relations, even with long absence of their husbands. This has the effect of making men master’s over female sexual functions, thereby demeaning women by making them their husband’s private property.
The provisions of the Kenyan constitution and advocacy by WHO proves that FGM is against basic human rights because it is performed in unsanitary conditions using unclean sharp instruments, which are often used on many girls and women, leading to transmission of various viruses, such as HIV/AIDs. UNICEF estimates that over 130 million women in Africa have undergone the cut, which hinders their effective development and contribution to societal progress, including on reproductive health. Dr Giti is an urban management, public – private partnerships (PPP) and environment specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com , @danielgiti
Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti 