This piece aims to uncover the infringement of human rights caused by female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia, as well as to explore the adverse physical and psychological consequences that women and girls experience as a result of FGM. Furthermore, it will examine the efforts being made to eliminate FGM in Liberia and call for action to end this harmful traditional practice.
The nonmedical removal of external female genitalia, known as female genital mutilation, is a violation of the human rights of women and girls and is a harmful and invasive practice. This procedure is often done without consent or anesthesia in unsanitary conditions. Despite being illegal, FGM is still widely practiced in Liberia.
Female genital mutilation causes serious health complications for women and girls. While some women and girls may not experience any physical sensations from undergoing this harmful traditional practice, many have tragically lost their lives as a result of it. The harmful practice of female genital mutilation has caused significant harm to women and girls. Experts recommend either eliminating the practice entirely or only performing it with the individual's consent, and not when they are unable to make decisions about their bodies. In conclusion, research has shown that female genital mutilation is a harmful tradition that must be completely eradicated.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF FGM IN LIBERIA
2.1 Traditional Beliefs and Values in Liberia
2.2 Forms and Types of FGM Practiced in Liberia
3. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF FGM AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE
3.1 International Laws and Treaties Addressing FGM
3.2 United Nations Resolution on Female Genital Mutilation
4. PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES OF FGM ON WOMEN AND GIRLS
4.1 Health Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF FGM ON WOMEN AND GIRLS
5.1 Trauma and Effects on Overall Well-being
6. EFFORTS TOWARD THE ELIMINATION OF FGM IN LIBERIA
7. CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION
Research Objectives and Themes
This research aims to uncover the violation of human rights caused by female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia while investigating the severe physical and psychological consequences it imposes on women and girls and evaluating ongoing efforts to eradicate this traditional practice.
- The prevalence and cultural drivers of FGM in Liberia.
- Physical and psychological impacts on survivors, including health complications and trauma.
- The clash between traditional practices and international human rights standards.
- Strategies and collaborative efforts by NGOs and government bodies to eliminate FGM.
Excerpt from the Book
2. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF FGM IN LIBERIA
In Liberia, a nation that prides itself on its varied culture, conventional principles, and ethics are highly regarded by its people. Some groups in Liberia maintain that female genital mutilation (FGM) is crucial for preserving a girl's chastity, enhancing her prospects of finding a spouse and fostering hygiene and well-being. FGM has been practiced in Liberia for centuries and is deeply rooted in traditional cultural practices. The practice has been passed down through generations and is often performed by traditional practitioners known as 'bush doctors' or 'sande society' members.
The cultural tradition of female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered necessary for young girls to become adults and get married in some parts of Liberia. This practice is usually done during puberty or before marriage.
Many communities attach great symbolic importance to the cultural tradition of female genital mutilation, which continues to be practiced due to factors such as peer pressure, fear of exclusion from resources and opportunities, and the desire to marry (Varol et al., 2014). The practice of FGM is often motivated by tradition, particularly among women who allow their children to undergo the procedure. Other factors include cultural identity, family honor, hygiene, health, preservation of virginity, and male pleasure. Additionally, some view FGM as necessary for spiritual and religious purity. (Sources: Kaplan et al., 2013 Mohamud et al., 1999).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Provides an overview of FGM as a harmful gender-based violence practice and details its cultural prevalence and the secrecy surrounding it in Liberia.
2. HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT OF FGM IN LIBERIA: Examines the deep-rooted traditional beliefs, the role of secret societies like Sande, and the classification of different FGM procedures.
3. HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF FGM AND INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE: Discusses FGM as a breach of human rights and reviews the role of international treaties and UN resolutions in combating the practice.
4. PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES OF FGM ON WOMEN AND GIRLS: Details the immediate and long-term health risks, including surgical complications, infections, and obstetric challenges during childbirth.
5. PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF FGM ON WOMEN AND GIRLS: Analyzes the mental health impact, focusing on trauma, depression, anxiety, and the loss of self-esteem reported by survivors.
6. EFFORTS TOWARD THE ELIMINATION OF FGM IN LIBERIA: Reviews the multifaceted national and international initiatives, including legislative actions and community-based intervention programs.
7. CONCLUSION AND A CALL TO ACTION: Summarizes the research findings and issues a call for strengthened legislation, education, and collective action to eradicate FGM.
Keywords
Female, Genital, Tradition, Mutilation, Culture, Harmful, Practice, Liberia, Human Rights, Gender-based Violence, Obstetric Complications, Psychological Trauma, Sande Society, Advocacy, Elimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The research focuses on the human rights violations and physical and psychological consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) specifically within the context of Liberia.
What are the central themes of the document?
The central themes include the historical and cultural roots of FGM, its immediate and long-term health impacts, the legal and human rights framing, and the various governmental and NGO initiatives aiming to eliminate the practice.
What is the core objective of the work?
The primary objective is to uncover the extent of human rights infringement caused by FGM in Liberia and to explore actionable paths for its total eradication through education and sensitization.
Which scientific methodology does the author utilize?
The work utilizes a descriptive analytical approach, relying on literature reviews, global health surveys (such as the LDHS), and case study reports to synthesize the psychological and physical impacts of the practice.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body systematically addresses the cultural context of FGM, the different types of procedures performed, international responses to the act, and the specific physical and psychological health impairments experienced by women and girls.
Which keywords define this work?
The work is defined by terms such as FGM, Human Rights, Liberia, Gender-based Violence, Obstetric Complications, Trauma, and Public Health Policy.
Is FGM legally defined as a violation in Liberia?
Yes, the document notes that FGM is considered a violation of human rights and gender-based violence, despite being a deeply entrenched cultural traditional practice that persists in rural communities.
How does the author describe the role of secret societies like Sande?
The author identifies organizations like the Sande society as major contributors to the secrecy and taboo surrounding FGM, which often challenge the discourse and impede official government oversight.
What specific health risks are highlighted for pregnant women?
The document highlights serious obstetric complications, including tearing, excessive bleeding, the requirement for an episiotomy, increased risk of puerperal sepsis, and potential difficulties requiring a cesarean section.
- Citar trabajo
- Brutus Jentzen Hunder (Autor), 2023, Uncovering the Human Rights Violations of Female Genital Mutilation and the Physical and Psychological Consequences on Women and Girls in Liberia, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1365566
