Let's talk about Female Circumcision

Worldwide some 80,000,000 to 100,000,000 women have received circumcision, which was first recorded more than 4,000 years ago in Egypt, which is why it is often referred to as a "Pharaonic" tradition.
"Female Circumcision" or "Female Genital Mutilation" as it is called by many westerners remains a very hot topic for anthropologists, feminists, and sociologists. The ritual is an ancient practice that (among other things) symbolizes a girl’s initiation into the adult world. The ritual is seen as a natural and integral part of the societies in which it is practiced. Almost all groups circumcising females also circumcise males as it is regarded as essential to their socialization. However, it becomes obvious that the male circumcision, a removal of the foreskin of the penis, is quite different from what is involved in female circumcision.
Female circumcisions can vary in range. It could vary from a cut in the pupuce, covering the clitoris, to the complete "smoothing out" or removal of all visible parts of the clitoris and most if not all of the labia. Surgeries such as complete clitoridectomies or infibulations (surgical modifications and the suturing of the labia) are seldom seen. The ritual is primarily conducted in Chad, Somalia, and Sudan. In these cases, de-circumcisions (opening of the sutures) are necessary before childbirth.
Although the option is open to them. Many women reject the idea of doctor performed circumcision, for the process is not simply an operation. It is a transition in which the girl learns many things about her new role as a woman. These are traditions that must be transmitted by other female family members as well as women from the village. There is usually a specialist in the village who performs the rituals, such as in Sierra Leone.
The sowe, as she is called, is revered and deferred to, and is chiefly responsible for the socialization of girls into a new age set. It is the sowe’s role to complete the ritual properly, this involves both the operation as well as several other initiation rites. The tool she uses for the operation, a penknife, is considered to be a divine gift.
The rite of female circumcision can be performed at birth or at puberty. In some groups it is done right before marriage. In Rivers state, Nigeria it is done in the 7th month of the woman’s first pregnancy
After the girl has completed the rite she is welcomed into her community proudly. She is often given gifts and has more power in her family. She becomes a more attractive bride to men, for completing the ceremony, but also because surgeries like infibulation ensures her chastity. In some cultures such as the Kono and the Okiek, in Kenya, the ritual is believed to endow the woman supernatural powers, and grants female authority over her elders as well as over men.
Despite Western objection to this practice. There is no real evidence of mortality rates, and complications are usually very rare.
Some claim that the practice is inhumane and has the potential to cause many problems (i.e. an inability to pass urine normally, pain during sex, infection, and hemorrhaging).

Prevalence of Female Circumcision
80%-98%: Mali, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan
50%: Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia
43%: Cote D’Ivoire, the Gambia
30% :Ghana

The ritual is practiced throughout Western and Sub-Saharan Africa, some parts of Asia, the Middle East as well as in indigenous Central and South American cultures. It has also been practiced by Jews and Christians in places where it is customary.
Condemned by some African Women’s groups, as well as several other global organizations, the legitamacy of the ritual is strongly contested. Some organizations push for a more relative view of their practice. Many groups vehemently object to the western viewpoint that their practices are somehow cruel and primitive. Some tribal groups strongly resent the ‘western opinions’ about their practice, one group- The Masai are particularly insulted by outside interference. In some places, uncircumcized genitals are considered ugly.
The issue has clearly challenged how we view cultural practices, and is challenging to both feminism and relativism. It can be seen as a sign of sexual control over females, ensuring marital chastity. It can also be seen as a sacred rite, in which something profound is happening for their culture, where the girl is made into a woman.
Personally, it is my opinion that the activities of these people are no one's business but their own. As a feminist, the thought of such a procedure alarms me, however, isn't feminism a western idea in the first place? You cannot approach another culture and place a value on their activities.

What do you think?
- Jupiterstop

References Cited:

Shweder, Richard, A.
2000. What about "FGM" and why understanding culture matters in the first place.
Modern World in an Anthropological Perspective. Article 25. 144-152.

Sillah, Memuna, M.
August, 1996. Bundu Trap. Modern World in an Anthropological Perspective. Article 26. 138-144