Female genital mutilation - from tradition to femicide
Female genital mutilation has been drawing international attention for the last couple of decades, but this phenomenon is almost unknown in Serbia. In this work we will point to its basic forms and its presence in the world as well as to the variety of consequences, especially those which a...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Victimology Society of Serbia and University of Belgrade, Faculty of Special Education and Rehabilitation
2017-01-01
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| Series: | Temida |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1450-6637/2017/1450-66371702241R.pdf |
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| Summary: | Female genital mutilation has been drawing international attention for the
last couple of decades, but this phenomenon is almost unknown in Serbia. In
this work we will point to its basic forms and its presence in the world as
well as to the variety of consequences, especially those which are the most
common causes of death. With this purpose in mind, the work represents the a
review of theoretical debates and empirical studies, based on which relevant
data may be gathered, related to the previously mentioned subject of the
work. Female genital mutilation is a phenomenon mostly in Africa, but due to
migrations has become a problem thoughout the whole world. Traditional and
cultural norms of strict patriarchal societies along with deeply rooted
inequality of genders have contributed to the maintenance of this custom up
till today. This custom includes a sequence of different procedures which are
used to injure female genitals even though there are no medical reasons for
such acts. They are conducted by older women in insanitary conditions and by
means such as scissors, razors or glass which bring numerous consequences
which can result in death. Females subdued to infibulation are at greater
risk of death, although each of the forms of mutilation may have this
consequence. Female genital mutilation represents violence against women due
to its inevitable physical consequences and its harmful effect on health.
Girls and women are subdued to the procedure which in some cases results in
death, for the purpose of the community acceptance, most of all the
acceptance of the future husband. Namely, women are elligible for marriage
only if they are virgins, which is achieved by genital mutilation, according
to the opinion of the community in which this tradition is preserved. Beside
that, marriage is of high importance for the economic stability of a woman,
considering the fact that all the economic power is held by men. Genital
mutilation has the purpose of keeping a woman in subordinate position through
repression of her sexuality and taking over the control of women’s bodies,
which reflects gender inequality. Therefore, every case of female genital
mutilation which results in death cannot be regarded as a part of a tradition
and cultural heritage, but as one of the forms of femicide. |
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| ISSN: | 1450-6637 2406-0941 |