Peer-reviewed article
The Cut that Scars: Exploring Female Genital Mutilation in Somalia with Reference to Select Texts
Reshma Sarah Easo ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This paper examines female genital mutilation (FGM), specifically type three cutting or infibulation, in Somalia. It traces the historical roots of the practice and notes that Somalia has high rates of FGM, with most women undergoing the ritual. The analysis draws on personal accounts from three Somali authors to explore the practice and its impacts.
Key points
- More than 3 million girls undergo FGM globally each year
- Somalia has particularly high incidence of genital mutilation and associated harms
- Type three cutting (infibulation) is the focus of analysis in Somalia
- FGM practices predate Abrahamic religions and originated in Africa
- The paper uses first-hand accounts from Somali women authors as primary sources
Limitations
The document does not present empirical data, statistical evidence, or evaluation of interventions to reduce FGM. It appears to be a textual analysis rather than an original research study with quantified outcomes.
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is termed as a horrendous practice that causes harm to the female genitalorgans. Tracing its roots before the arrival of Abrahamic religions, the ritual that was originally a part ofAfrica has crossed boundaries and is practiced around the globe. With more than 3 million girls cut everyyear, United Nations has declared FGM as a ritual that needs to be curbed. Somalia is one country where theincidence of genital mutilation and its aftermath is very high. Most women in Somalia undergo the ritual ofcut to purify themselves. This paper looks into “type three cutting” (infibulation) in Somalia with the help ofthree works written by Somali authors-Hibo Wardere, Ayaan Hirsi Ali and Waris Dirie.