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The mysterious history of female genital mutilation: Why ancient Egypt became the birthplace of opposition.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a social problem that worries the world. This cultural practice is popular in many regions around the world, especially in some countries in Africa and the Middle East. As defined by the World Health Organization, FGM involves the partial or total removal of a woman's external genitalia and is often performed without medical justification. In ancient Egypt, FGM was not only part of the culture but also the cradle of the earliest resistance movements that continue to this day across the globe.
According to a 2013 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report, Egypt has the largest number of women undergoing FGM in the region, with the number reaching 27 million.
The popularity and background of FGM
The practice of female genital mutilation continues in many countries in West, East and North Africa and has a lasting impact on the lives of millions of women. According to different studies, Egypt and Somalia are one of the countries with the most serious cases of FGM. Among them, the prevalence rate of FGM in Somalia is even as high as 98%.
The history of FGM in ancient Egypt is not limited to the popularity of the practice. Resistance movements against the practice in this land can be traced back to the 1920s, when health experts and social activists began to speak out against the tradition. , which also represents the journey of countless women resisting and advocating for change.
FGM is divided into four main types, which vary according to the degree and form of impact on the female genitals.
Classification and practice of FGM
According to the World Health Organization, although there are various types of FGM, they can be mainly divided into four types. Briefly, the main characteristics of these types include:
- Type 1: Remove the clitoral foreskin and part of the clitoris.
- Type 2: Remove the inner labia minora and part of the outer labia minora.
- Type Three: All labia are removed and the clitoris is completely removed, and the vagina is sutured, leaving only small holes for urination and menstruation.
- Type 4: Various other forms of mutilation, which may include fire burns and other extreme actions.
Egypt as the focus of opposition to FGM
Although the prevalence rate of FGM in Egypt is still as high as 87%, the implementation of some reforms and laws in recent years has gradually reduced this number. Many women and children's advocates have come forward to expose the pain and harm caused by this practice. In addition, the Egyptian government is gradually establishing a legal framework to combat this behavior. Data from 2016, 2017 and 2018 show that the prevalence of FGM is declining year by year.
"In the current context, resistance to FGM has become an important part of the global women's rights movement."
Modern challenges and changes
With the global emphasis on women’s rights, many countries have begun to enact laws to ban FGM. Promotional and educational activities by various non-governmental organizations and international agencies are also ongoing in an effort to raise awareness of the issue. However, in some traditional communities, there are still deep cultural roots, which makes FGM's path of resistance face conflicts with traditional culture.
FGM not only affects the physical health and mental well-being of millions of women and girls, but is also a real challenge to gender equality and women’s freedom. With the spread of education and public knowledge, many communities have gradually become aware of the dangers of FGM and have chosen to abandon this traditional practice.
"Women around the world are working together to promote awareness and opposition to FGM."
Conclusion
Whether it is from a legal, medical or social and cultural perspective, the existence of FGM has accelerated the understanding and attention of women's rights. In this ever-changing society, we might as well think about a question: Can all these changes really change those long-established traditional concepts and practices?
