FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION 10:35:00 PM

Condition: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is the process of intentionally altering, injuring, or removing female genital organs without medical cause. It is usually done as part of social, cultural, or religious traditions and occurs most frequently in Africa and parts of Asia. Currently, there are 100 - 150 million women and girls living with the effects of FGM, and an estimated 3 million girls are at risk annually (most are under the age of 15). The procedures are recognized internationally as human rights violations, but the practice continues.
Four Types: FGM is classified into four types:
1. Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, rarely, the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris) as well.
2. Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are "the lips" that surround the vagina).
3. Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, and sometimes outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.
4. Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
Causes: As stated before, social, cultural, and less commonly, religious traditions are the primary causes of FGM. In many cultures the process is seen as a rite of passage into womanhood, and is thought to be necessary for a woman to desirable for marriage. Beliefs about proper sexual behavior for women also influence the practice. In the case of infibulation, the vagina is surgically shut to prevent a woman from engaging in premarital sex. Many of the procedures prevent any sort of sexual pleasure for women as well. Clearly, the inferior role of women in society is a major contributing factor. It is difficult to dissect and completely understand the exact causes however. In many cases female professionals perform the procedure, and it can be traced back to ancient Egypt.
Effects: Extreme pain, shock, profuse bleeding, bacterial infection, and open sores are immediate effects of FGM. The long term effects include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, infertility, and increased risk of childbirth complications.
Response: It is difficult to completely condemn FGM, as it is an integral part of many cultures. However, many international organizations, including the WHO, UNICEF, and various non-governmental organizations have launched efforts to end the practice for reasons relating to both health and human rights. In recent years, several African countries have passed laws banning the practice. Despite these laws, FGM continues to be practiced, and the rights of these women continue to be violated.
Recent News about Female Genital Mutilation:
Australia Mulls Kenyan Women's Circumcision Case
Sweden, Denmark, Norway Fight to Stop FGM
FGM Requiring 'Cultural Sensitivity
Circumcision - Above the Law

If YOU want to do something about FGM, YOU can support these organizations:
Equality Now
Forward

OBSTETRIC FISTULA 8:48:00 PM

Condition: Obstetric fistula is a devastating injury that occurs during childbirth. During labor, a hole is formed between the vagina and the bladder. It occurs primarily in sub-Saharan Africa and in parts of Asia. Currently, over 2 million women are living with untreated obstetric fistula, and there 50,000-100,000 new cases each year.
Causes: The primary cause of obstetric fistula is prolonged and/or obstructed labor. When a baby is in the birth canal for a long period of time, the blood flow is cut off to the surrounding tissues, and they rot away. This causes a hole between the vagina and the bladder. The condition is more prevalent in areas where girls are married at young ages. Their bodies are not fully developed, and they are physically incapable of delivering a baby. Malnutrition also plays a role, as it prevents a woman's body from developing properly. Women who live in rural areas are also more prone to developing obstetric fistula. It may take days to travel to the nearest hospital, and the costs and logistics of transportation make it nearly impossible. Therefore, women may be in labor for several days with no access to a cesarean section. In many cases the baby dies, and the women are left with a devastating fistula. Social factors, such as poverty, cultural beliefs, lack of education about proper birthing procedures, and the role of women play a part as well.
Effects: Women with obstetric fistula are constantly leaking urine, which causes a very unpleasant odor. They are often times outcast by their families, because they are considered "unclean" and are sometimes made to live in isolation. The emotional toll is sometimes unbearable, and suicide is common among women with this condition.
Treatment: The treatment for obstetric fistula is a surgical repair of the hole. This surgery has a 90% success rate in uncomplicated cases. It costs about $300, however, which is impossible for many women. The lack of local doctors to perform the surgery is a problem, as well as lack of knowledge about the surgery. There are also various alternatives for women for whom the surgery doesn't work.
Recent news about Obstetric Fistula:
Women Under Obstetric Attack
Kenya: Campaigns Intensify to Eradicate Women's Disease
The Ugly Face of Fistula

If YOU want to do something about Obstetric Fistula, YOU can support these organizations:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund-End Fistula Campaign)
The Fistula Foundation
International Organization for Women and Development
The Fistula Care Project
Operation OF