Introduction

This is a controversial article that discusses an issue which is often ignored.

Sadly we live in a society where it seems the discussion of certain issues is highly polarised and politicised. In some cases this can lead to a chilling effect that limits sensible debate.

I was inspired to write this (on my Steemit blog) last year after reading a BBC article on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

It got me thinking about something that has bothered me for quite some time:

We read a lot of articles and press about how FGM is wrong and a despicable act. — Like most sane people I wholeheartedly agree with that.

It is now referred to as female genital mutilation (rather than female circumcision) to make it clear that this is an unnecessary procedure that results in actual physical and psychological harm.

The following excerpt is taken from the website of the United Nations International Zero Tolerance Day for FGM:

“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.”

“It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice also violates their rights to health, security and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and their right to life when the procedure results in death.”

I would absolutely agree with what is said here but I am not sure that this represents “an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls” — at least as we are talking about this issue, where is the page for boys/men?

Discrimination would imply that this is something that happens only to females.