Then the old woman takes her razor and excises the clitoris. The infibulation follows: the operator cuts with her razor from top to bottom of the small lip and then scrapes the flesh from the inside of the large lip. This nymphectomy and scraping are repeated on the other side of the vulva…

The little girl howls and writhes in pain, although strongly held down. The operator wipes the blood from the wound and the mother, as well as the guests, verify her work, sometimes putting their fingers in. The opening left for urine and menstrual blood is minuscule…

Then the operator applies a paste and ensures the adhesion of the large lips by means of an acacia thorn, which pierces one lip and passes through into the other. She sticks in three or four in this manner down the vulva. These thorns are then held in place either by means of sewing thread,

The Sudanese peoples have practiced FGM/FC for thousands of years. As mentioned before, the procedure is a longstanding tradition and custom serving as a rite of passage into womanhood. More importantly, the practice of FGM/FC “represents an act of socialization into cultural values and a connection to family, community members and previous generations…it preserves cultural identity” (Rahman and Toubia 5). Also as a culture and people, the Sudanese male population has always exerted power over women’s sexuality. A female’s virginity and sexual limitation plays a large role in the honor of a people or clan. Therefore, FGM/FC serves as way of preserving virginity while inhibiting possibilities of premarital sex by inhibiting female sexual desire (Rahman and Toubia 5-6).

The problem of FGM/FC plagues the world, and especially every female in the world. It has reared its ugly head for thousands of years, and needs to reach a stopping point. It is truly an international issue and problem alike. Yet, at the same time, the issue is a very “touchy” one. The paths that are taken to eradicate FGM/FC need to be chosen very cautiously. There are cultures that are not like others. Yet, is it fair to impose another culture’s values on those of Sudan or any other country in the world?

Even more importantly, FGM/FC is not only a horrible and painful act that damages female sexual organs, but it can have serious consequences. These consequences are both medical and psychological, immediate and long-term. Regardless, all of these consequences are severe. Immediate medical problems might be incessant pain, hemorrhaging, post-operative shock that can lead to death. Other organ damage can occur to the anal sphincter or vaginal walls. Even more serious, unsterilized instruments can cause tetanus, septicaemia, or the transmission of HIV or hepatitis B. Long-term consequences may include lack of desire and stimulation during sexual intercourse or severe complications in pregnancy and labor. Psychological damage may also occur. This might include anxiety, sense of humiliation, and feelings of betrayal by the female’s parents. It is also important to note, though, that the psychological consequences can be very harsh for unmutilated/uncircumcised females also. There is a sense of pride and belonging that goes along with this very traditional procedure (Dorkenoo 13-26).

As mentioned before, many organizations have made great strides to eradicate FGM/FC. Support of and involvement in these organizations is a method by which any person can help solve the problems of FGM/FC around the world. Education is one of the first places to start. Just getting it out into the open and letting people know what is going on and why it should be stopped is crucial. Knowledge is the most powerful tool anyone can possess. In the end, knowledge will be the key to the destruction of FGM/FC.

Even though these laws and organizations may seem insufficient to many, it is better that there are some, rather than none at all. Plus, these are the only options to put an end to the problem. In Sudan, the Penal Code from 1946-1983 prohibited infibulation as an offense punishable by a maximum of five years in jail and also a fine (Rahman and Toubia 216). However, this Penal Code was repealed and replaced with one that made no prohibition against infibulation or FGM/FC in any form. This seems rather contradictory as the Sudanese constitution protects the right to life and physical integrity. So, currently there is no criminal law against FGM/FC in Sudan. Other measures to improve the hygiene of these practices include sanctioning of birth attendants by government health officials. In addition, the Organization for Eradication of Tr

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