Here are some of the major reasons cited over and over again by different communities as to why they perform Female Genital Mutilation/ Female Circumcision (Myths that support FGM/C)
- In some communities its seen as a rite of passage, this is mainly done at around puberty to initiate a girl to adulthood
- To enhance male sexual pleasures
- The extended lips holds/ directs the man’s penis during sex hence ensuring that he doesn’t miss the vagina/get out easily
- It reduces the urge for sex in women and hence men can easily satisfy them
- It instills discipline to women and hence they become respectful to their men
- In some communities its considered as beautifying
- To ensure purity by maintaining virginity this is mainly with infibulation
- To prepare a girl for marriage
- To preserve family honor and prestige