| Cultural Reasons for FGM |
| - Uncircumcised women who live in places where FGM is practiced many times have a hard time finding men who will marry them because they are considered deviant by society - The clitoris was believed to cause a man to become sick, impotent, or even die in an extreme case. -Removal of the clitoris and labia minora eliminates bad odors -Circumcision is closely related to gender identity -FGM was thought to prevent vaginal cancer. -FGM was thought to prevent masturbation and lesbianism. -Nervousness in girls and women was thought to be cured by FGM. -FGM was believed to make a woman's face more beautiful and to prevent it from turning yellow. -A woman's sex drive was thought to overshadow her husband's sex drive if FGM was not performed. -Intact clitoris was thought to generate unwanted sexual arousal in women. -A girl could honor her family by getting the procedure done. -A girl was considered clean and pure by having the surgery performed. -Superstition was associated with FGM and having one's clitoris removed was thought to provide protection against spells. -FGM was a symbol of virginity, therefore, honoring the family and during her life, it symbolized sustainable faithfulness to the husband. |
| while it is believed that female circumcision has been mostly performed in order to control the sexuality of the women . .here is a list of other cultural beliefs that have influenced attitudes toward FGM |