Female genital mutilation (FGM) and the stigma surrounding menstruation are deeply entrenched social constructs fostered by patriarchal societies over centuries. These taboos persist in various parts of the world, perpetuating inequality and violating the rights of girls and women.
FGM, also known as female circumcision, involves the cutting, injury, or alteration of female genitalia without medical justification. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It is estimated that 3 million girls are at risk of FGM annually. These statistics shed light on the vast scale of this harmful practice, illustrating the urgent need for action.
Internationally, FGM is recognized as a violation of basic human rights and a form of extreme
discrimination against girls and women. It reflects the deep-rooted inequality between sexes, as it is almost always performed by traditional practitioners on children, violating their rights and subjecting them to physical and psychological trauma. The consequences of FGM are severe and long-lasting, including immediate complications such as severe pain, bleeding, infections, and even death, as well as long-term complications affecting sexual, reproductive, and mental health.
While religion and customs are often cited as reasons for FGM and menstrual taboos in many African and Asian countries, it is crucial to recognize the underlying root cause: centuries of patriarchy. FGM is driven by the desire to control women’s sexuality, maintaining the notion of purity before marriage. Men refusing to marry intact women is an unfortunate consequence of this patriarchal mindset. It is important to note that no religion mandates FGM, but patriarchal religions create a cultural environment where such practices persist. FGM is also viewed as a rite of passage into womanhood, yet it inflicts trauma on girls, trapping them in their grip for years to come.
On the other hand, menstruation, a natural biological process, is burdened with shame and deemed unclean in many societies. Menstruating women face social isolation, barred from engaging in regular activities and places of worship. These restrictions, rooted in religious beliefs, are particularly prevalent in countries like India. According to a survey conducted by UNICEF in 2020, in India, 71% of adolescent girls are not aware of menstruation before their first period, highlighting the lack of education and awareness surrounding this natural process. As a menstruating woman myself, I have personally encountered these taboos. Conversations around menstruation are shrouded in discomfort, and euphemisms are used to avoid acknowledging its natural essence. Superstitions further limit women’s access to kitchens and handling of food. Such taboos have detrimental effects on the emotional well-being and health of girls and women.
Challenging these socio-cultural taboos surrounding FGM and menstruation is a complex task due to poor understanding and awareness among girls, particularly about reproductive health. While progress has been made through reproductive health education in schools, it is crucial to extend this knowledge to every corner of society. Menstruation, an essentially biological process, has been exploited by patriarchal discourses to marginalize women and reinforce their inferior status. These taboos are socially constructed phenomena, reflecting a narcissistic male perspective that weaponizes women’s reproductive biology against them.
To break these taboos and dismantle the chains of patriarchy, comprehensive education is essential for both men and women. Early and inclusive sex education should be provided to children, and parents must engage in transparent conversations about reproductive health. Although strides have been made, the journey to eradicate patriarchal norms and grant women the freedom to live better lives is far from over. Society must collectively challenge and dismantle these oppressive ideologies, ensuring a future where women can thrive without the constraints of patriarchal taboos.
It is crucial to involve communities, religious leaders, and policymakers in these efforts. By raising awareness, providing accurate information, and debunking myths, we can empower individuals to challenge and overcome deep-seated taboos. Furthermore, providing support and safe spaces for survivors of FGM and menstruation-related stigma is vital in helping them heal and regain control over their bodies and lives.
Governments and international organizations have a significant role to play in eradicating FGM and menstrual taboos. Legislation must be enforced to criminalize FGM and ensure that perpetrators face consequences for their actions. Additionally, comprehensive healthcare services should be made available to survivors, including physical and mental health support, as well as access to reproductive healthcare and counselling.
Progress has been made in some regions, with grassroots movements and advocacy efforts pushing for change. The voices of survivors, activists, and organizations working tirelessly to break these taboos must be amplified. Public awareness campaigns, media engagement, and community dialogue can help foster understanding and promote empathy, challenging the patriarchal norms that perpetuate FGM and menstrual stigma.
In conclusion, breaking the taboos surrounding FGM and menstruation is a critical step towards achieving gender equality and upholding the rights of girls and women. The statistics on FGM highlight the urgent need for action, while the prevalence of menstrual taboos underscores the deeply ingrained patriarchal ideologies that continue to oppress women. By promoting education, challenging social norms, and providing support to survivors, we can pave the way for a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender or reproductive biology, can live free from the chains of patriarchal oppression.
Written by Aiswarya Raj, our communications intern and a journalism student at Brighton University, currently pursuing Master’s Degree