The practice of FGM is not limited to Africa. The World Health Organization finds it occurs in many parts of the world.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) occurs in many parts of the world, but especially in Africa. It is a cultural practice thought to have been established centuries ago, though its origins appear to have been lost in the past. International efforts to eliminate it also have a long history. As early as the 17th century, Christian missionaries and colonial administrations in Africa attempted to prevent the practice. Today, efforts to eradicate FGM are under way within and outside of practicing cultures. This book discusses the definition and types of FGM and explores the common justifications for the practice, along with the incidence in Africa, global laws, legal issues, rights and religion. Ethical considerations are examined, as are progress and the role of culture. Personal interviews help to expand and enrich the discussion. The book concludes with thoughts on the movement from tradition to cultural evolution.
Professional Reviews
Feminist Collections: Quarterly of Women’s Studies Resources
Excerpts:
“This is a difficult subject to read about, and one can only imagine the dedication it took to be immersed in the research and writing of this excellent, thorough reference work.”
“Highly recommended for university libraries and women’s studies departmental collections.”
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Midwifery Today
Excerpts:
"... a well-researched reference book, is important reading for individuals who are providing birth care to women from the countries in which FGM is practiced. ... One of the most interesting chapters includes an interview with Maasai in Tanzania regarding FGM ..."
Midwifery Today, p. 62 and 69, Winter 2006.
Lonely Planet: West Africa
Excerpt:
"... tackles head-on the debate about this controversial practice, canvassing in detail traditional arguments in favour and well thought-out arguments and counters them."
Lonely Planet: West Africa (Multi Country Guide) by Anthony Han, 2006, p. 41.
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Reviews for "Female Genital Mutilation: Legal, Cultural and Medical Issues"
Rosemarie, I stand in applause for this book, hoping it will bring to light this barbaric practise of mutilating little girls, sometimes without their knowledge or consent. It is an evil, twisted, male-invented practise, performed by witch doctors, sometimes done without anesthesia or pain medication, where many
children have died from bleeding to death or from the staph infections. Makes my skin crawl. Bless you for your research.
Verys trong and a much-needed subject to be brought into the limelight. it is an injustice not exposed very often amid the suffering of millions of girls in many parts of the world. Being a Somali peace and human rights activist I feel greatly touched to see FGM being put in the spoken word and made available in international bookstores. Pleae refer my poem on fgm: Real Pain at my site.
Abdi-Noor
You bet it is a powerful subject. I have a story posted in my den titled Maraca about this subject of female circumcision. It is a selection in my upcoming 5-book deal, the book it comes from being FEMINIST FOLKTALES: A CATHARSIS FOR ANXIETIES AND A SOURCE OF POSITIVE FEEDBACK FOR VIEWING LIFE FROM A FEMALE PERSPECTIVE. Thanks for your book on this Rosemarie. I hope it does well for you.
Pecked to Death offers a refreshing perspective on managing the chaos of everyday life, encouraging you to take control and prioritize what truly matters.
