“Circumcised women are blessed in accordance with our study of the hadiths,” Romly said, referring to the record of the words and actions of Prophet Mohammed. “She shines in front of her husband.”

Inside the building, several rooms were transformed into makeshift operating rooms. On a table stood a fluorescent light and a container full of cotton balls, needles of various sizes, and antiseptic solution.

Cholida has been the foundation’s go-to doctor since 2008, specialising in female circumcision. She also trains midwives and female religious teachers to perform the procedure.

She explained that circumcision offered by the foundation involves a needle prick to the skin covering the clitoris. A covered clitoris, Cholida said, hampers sexual sensations and gathers bacteria. “Women often have trouble orgasming. Circumcision takes care of that. Isn’t that a form of equality?” Cholida asked, adding that this method also fulfills the goal of reducing libido in women.

“We graze the clitoral hood. Medically and logically, which would be more sensitive? Something covered or uncovered?” Cholida asked. “When we open up the clitoris, sensation is automatically increased.”