Cases of female circumcision are so rampant in Ethiopia, Uganda, Egypt, Southern Sudan, Northern Sudan, and some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Female circumcision is when a certain part of the female genitalia is excised in order to reduce the sexual desire of girls and make them pure and virgin until marriage.

Many girls and old people around the world have spoken in favour of the practice saying that it reduces sex libido and in turn it saves them from contracting HIV. But it should not be forgotten that there are also other girls who speak ill about female circumcision. Scientists and doctors in different parts of the world have all confirmed that female circumcision as well as it has some advantages it also causes complications during pregnancy.

In many countries such as Sudan and Uganda female circumcision has been banned but millions of families secretly practice it and the girls keep quiet. For example UNICEF estimates that three million girls will be subjected to female circumcision inSudan this year.

 The treasurer of the National Council for Child Welfare in Uganda Gamar Habbani says that female circumcision is ‘massacre’ of the girls’ future. UNICEF says that female circumcision across the globe is mainly practiced in Africa andMiddle East.

By Walakira Nyanzi