A dimension of violence against women: Female genital mutilation in Somalia

ABSTRACT A DIMENSION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN SOMALIA Sadia HASSAN İBRAHİM Female genital mutilation is a traditional practice in Africa and the Middle East and in some Asian countries, in more than 30 countries around the world. Female genital mutilation is a phenomenon that causes serious adverse effects on the physical, mental and psychological health of people who are exposed to treatment. The negative health consequences of female genital mutilation can ocur both in the short term and in the long term. Female genital mutilation remains a serious problem in Somalian culture. Female genital mutilation is a form of violence against women. This practice is a form of sexual, physical and psychological violence against women in a single body. The reasons of Female circumcision, which has been practiced since ancient times, are several including traditional beliefs, values and attitudes. Of course, the main reason for this practice is the fear and prejudice against women's sexuality. The aim of this study is tocontribute to the literature on the reasons of female genital mutilation in Somalia, which is the World leader in the number and frequency of female genital mutilation. In this context, the findings of the field research conducted in Somalia, Puntland region arei ncluded. Four groups were interviewed. The first group consists of women exposed to female genita mutilation. The second group is women who practice female genital mutilation, the third group is governmen tofficials and the fourth group is representatives of non-governmental organizations. Keywords: Female genital mutilation, Somalia, Putland, violence against woman,infibul