Causes and Cultural Roots of Female Genital Mutilation
The causes and cultural roots of female genital mutilation are complex and vary across regions and communities. Female genital mutilation is often driven by deep-seated beliefs about purity, social acceptance, and gender roles. Understanding these motivations is essential for developing respectful and effective prevention strategies.
Social Pressures
Many communities consider FGM a rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood. Communities may celebrate it as a cultural milestone that prepares a girl for marriage, motherhood, and full social participation. Families may feel pressure to conform to these expectations to avoid stigma, shame, or exclusion.
Some communities may consider a girl who has not undergone FGM as “unclean” or unmarriageable
Mothers and grandmothers often play key roles in perpetuating the practice
Men may support it based on cultural conditioning, though some are unaware of its full impact
Beliefs About Purity and Morality
FGM is frequently linked to controlling female sexuality:
Many believe FGM reduces sexual desire, promoting virginity before marriage and fidelity afterwards
Some think it enhances cleanliness or femininity
Others believe it fulfils religious obligations, although no major religion mandates FGM
Families and communities often pass down these beliefs through generations, reinforcing them with misinformation and fear.
Misconceptions and Misinformation
Many communities lack accurate medical knowledge:
Some people may falsely present FGM as safe or hygienic
People may not realise the long-term complications associated with the procedure
Healthcare providers in some areas may perform FGM under the guise of “medicalisation,” giving a false sense of safety
Education is essential to challenge myths and promote understanding of the risks.
Economic and Social Factors
In some cultures, families link FGM to bride price or dowry, making it economically appealing
Traditional practitioners may rely on performing FGM as a source of income
Parents may believe they are acting in the child’s best interest based on community values
Migration and Diaspora | Causes and Cultural Roots of Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is also found in diaspora communities where the practice continues as a way to preserve cultural identity. However, second-generation migrants often question or reject the tradition, leading to generational tension and a growing shift in attitudes.
Understanding the causes and cultural roots of female genital mutilation helps frame interventions in a respectful, community-led way. Solutions must address not only health and human rights, but also the cultural fears and misinformation that sustain the practice.
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