Resumen de Female Genital Mutilation – Truths and Lies
This article examines and analyzes the controversial issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). With goal to find the truths and the lies around the issue, this article provides a description and an analysis of important factual information regarding the practices of FGM and its (FGM’s) relation to the cultural and religious norms of a society. In addition, it offers an interesting theoretical discussion on the issue within the frame of two core theories, Universalism and Cultural relativism. Aim of this paper is not only to condemn the FGM practices around the world but also inform the readers properly on its harmful consequences on women’s/girls’ health and rights. Based on the factual data and the discussion on FGM’s origins, it becomes obvious that FGM does not have any actual religious basis. Although it is referred to as a society’s cultural or religious custom through the study of the relevant academic literature, I reached the conclusion that FGM derives mostly from outdated beliefs of individuals. These beliefs have been passed and preserved over the years in many civilizations and as a result have become an integral part of people’s lives and cultural traditions. In many cases, the refusal of a woman to be subjected to FGM is the reason why she can be refused the chance to be educated, get married and finds a job as FGM practices have been associated with a woman’s purity, cleanliness, maturity and absolute obedience to her husband. Even though international human rights laws as well as some domestic treaties have promoted and prohibited these practices against women, it is a fact that FGM is still apparent in many countries of the contemporary world.
