Cutting Clits

Article
By Jernene Poponne
05/02/20

Subtitle

Warning: this article discusses themes of sexual violence, which some may find upsetting or distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

Contents

1. Female Genital Cutting

2. Supporting the women who have survived FGM

3. Increasing global awareness

A typical razor blade used for the female genital mutilation procedure. Photo: Ivan Lieman / BARCROFT MEDIA VIA GETTY IMAGES

Jernene Poponne presents her debut article on the practice of FGM, a practice which takes place all over the world, affecting an estimated 200 million girls and women.

Subtitle

Warning: this article discusses themes of sexual violence, which some may find upsetting or distressing. Reader discretion is advised.

Contents

1. Female Genital Cutting

2. Supporting the women who have survived FGM

3. Increasing global awareness

Jernene Poponne presents her debut article on the practice of FGM, a practice which takes place all over the world, affecting an estimated 200 million girls and women.
1. Female Genital Cutting

Female Genital Cutting (FGC, otherwise known as female genital mutilation or FGM) is practiced all over the world, dictated by the societal expectations of women’s sexuality and suitability for marriage. Steeped in tradition and misplaced beliefs of female sexuality, FGC is a cut, incision or sewing up of the vaginal/clitoral area. There are four types of FGC including the removal of the clitoris (Type 1), infibulation (Type 3), and several other variants. Although a practice with spiritual connotations, it is not tied to any religion. The practice varies around the world, but this article will focus on how it takes place in Sierra Leone, a country facing the Atlantic coast of West Africa.

Despite being an ancient practice in other parts of the world, like in South East Asia, the practice developed in Sierra Leone relatively recently. A secret society birthed in the mid-19th century groomed girls over an eighteen-month period where they would learn to cook, dance, and were eventually cut. The girls were chosen from a preferred lineage and could be initiated as soon as they showed early signs of puberty. Due to the sensitive nature of FGC and the secrecy members are bound to during their initiations, it has been difficult to understand the motives and reasons behind the female-only society. The widely-accepted practice continues today, although now condensed to a two-week period, with many oblivious to the sinister nature behind the society. Once initiated, girls are deemed ready for marriage regardless of age.

An estimated 200 million girls and women worldwide have been subjected to female genital mutilation. Photo: AP Archive

The society could almost be argued to be an agency of empowerment for women as they equip girls with traditional customs, provide a lifelong sisterhood and collectively hold political influence throughout the country. Widely celebrated and respected within communities, society members have political affiliations and can influence the vote within rural communities.

However, the act of removing a child’s clitoris – an organ which holds over eight thousand nerve-endings – is inexcusable. To do such damage to the female sexual and reproductive organs is to strip her of her essence while binding her to secrecy and dictating that she be grateful for the abuse inflicted upon her. That single act will command her entire future: every time she urinates, visits a gynaecologist or has sex, she will be reminded of a single moment in her history. The brave women who have chosen to share their experiences have denied FGC the capacity to define them, despite the resentment they may hold towards the practice. They have grown to love their bodies, love others and raise entire families. They have chosen to break the generational cycle that led to their trauma. Rather than inflicting the same pain upon their daughters out of fear or misplaced sense of duty to their cutters, they have broken the bonds that once oppressed them. Braving the childbirth process as a survivor of FGC is the most courageous feat of all – aside from the heightened risks, those who give birth in the West experience stigma rather than status as a woman who has been cut.

2. Supporting the women who have survived FGM

Global advocacy has shifted policy while training has equipped professionals with the key skills needed to support women who have survived FGM. In Sierra Leone, the Forum Against Harmful Practices has led a multi-faith initiative where people can openly discuss and understand what FGM is and how it affects the lives of women, girls and families. The discourse, which has included lawyers, religious leaders, community members and even cutters, advocates for the removal of FGM from traditional practices. Under the ethos of ‘no harm to women and girls’, cut-free initiations have taken place in Sierra Leone, indicating that change, albeit incremental, is happening. Organisations such as FORWARD, Save a Girl Save a Generation, End FGM-EU and many more, work globally to better safeguard girls at risk and advocate on behalf of survivors.

In Sierra Leone, aside from denying a lifetime of sexual pleasure to a female while she is still a child, FGC directly correlates with political corruption too. The society has wielded its influence to hinder attempts to enact legislation designed to protect children from the practice as well as from child marriage. However, the country’s Attorney General has faced new calls to clarify the laws regarding minors and FGC in light of several public statements made by the First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio.

3. Increasing global awareness

Today, increased global awareness of FGC means that health professionals are prepared for expectant mothers who have experienced FGC. In 2015, the UK government introduced the Mandatory Reporting Duty for all health and social care professionals. A person who has undergone FGC (or is deemed to be at risk) is recorded in the Risk Indication System. The system can be accessed by social services, medical personnel and law enforcement agents. However, there have been reports of increased profiling of people from regions where FGM is known to be practiced. This would compromise the progress achieved by organisations who have worked to enhance relationships between communities and social services. Forthcoming FORWARD pilot research examines the impact of Mandatory Reporting Duty and new risk assessment policies on communities. If ineptly applied, these policies could lead to the further stigmatisation of those they are designed to protect.

The Mandatory Reporting Duty is a significant step in safeguarding. Over time, and through continued research and campaigns, it will grow in sophistication. It is only a matter of time before Sierra Leone too provides its own measures to adequately protect vulnerable girls. If you would like to know more or find out what you can do in support, there are some helpful links below.

  • Cutting Clits

Bibliography

Mandatory reporting of female genital mutilation: procedural information (www.gov.uk)
Forward UK (www.forwarduk.org.uk)
End FGM (www.endfgm.eu)
The Bondo Society as a Political Tool: Examining Cultural Expertise in Sierra Leone from 1961 to 2018 (www.mdpi.com)
28 Too Many (www.28toomany.org)

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Jernene Poponne (@thesierranican)

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