William Atkins
Wednesday, 01 October 2008 19:07
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
They asked social workers to question the girls as to whether or not they had undergone female circumcision over the past six years.
Subsequent to the interviews, questionnaires were sent to the parents of the girls who answered positive for circumcision. They were asked questions relating to the procedure.
The researchers found that 84.9% of the girls had had circumcision performed within the last six years. The girls in the rural areas had the procedure performed 92.5% of the time.
The parents stated various reasons as to why the circumcision was performed.
However, the primary reason for the circumcisions, as reported by
New Scientist magazine, was
“to comply with religious and traditional beliefs and curb the sexual drive of their daughters.” [New Scientist: “The abuse goes on.” (September 20-26, 2008, page 4)
In addition, the study also found that 64.15% of the circumcisions were performed by non-medical personnel.
The conclusion of the study stated, according to the paper’s abstract,
“This study’s results indicate that the practice of FGC in Upper Egypt remains high despite enforcement of law. Extensive efforts are needed both to revise public awareness and to change attitudes regarding FGC.”
Page three reports on efforts by international groups to end this cruel and inhumane pracice.
