Female circumcision: a conflict of culture, religion vs health and rights of girl child

Female circumcision or female genital mutilation (FGM) as is often called is practiced globally in all continents with over 100 women and girls at risk with the majority in Africa. FGM continues to be practiced in many countries and regions associated with religious, cleanliness, acceptance into adulthood, uphold virginity, controls sexuality, increases fertility, preserving culture and other socio- economic factors. Despite its severe consequences (mental, physical, health and right violation issues) and severe pain, hemorrhage. Shock, death. Infection, urinary infection, ulcers, fever, tetanus, complication at birth, FGM continues to be on the increase in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using random sampling techniques in the suburbs of the Gambia capital, Banjul, 500 respondents were interviewed across different ages, educational background and location, the study assessed the prevalence and importance of FGM. The study found older aged, lower level of education; low socio-economic status and rural settlement have higher FGM prevalence relative to younger aged, higher level of education, higher socio-economic status and urban dwelling. The prevalence is also high mainly due to its deep-rooted cultural practice 64 Before Christ and strong religious belief among many tribes in Sub-Saharan Africa. To control its prevalence, the study found enactment of laws and civic education as appropriate means to control and eradicate FGM in most SSA countries.