aljazeera.com
Female Genital Mutilation Remains Widespread Among Pakistan's Dawoodi Bohra Community
In Pakistan, 75–85% of Dawoodi Bohra women experience female genital mutilation (FGM), a clandestine practice inflicting lasting physical and psychological trauma, despite lacking legal prohibition and facing resistance from community leaders.
- Why does the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan continue to practice FGM, despite its harmful effects?
- The Dawoodi Bohra community defends FGM, calling it 'khatna' or circumcision, a necessary religious rite. This deeply rooted cultural practice is linked to beliefs about female sexuality and purity, causing lasting physical and psychological harm to victims.
- What is the extent of female genital mutilation among the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan, and what are its immediate consequences for the victims?
- In Pakistan, 75-85% of Dawoodi Bohra women undergo female genital mutilation (FGM), a practice largely hidden from public view despite its prevalence within the community. This often involves the removal of the clitoral hood without anesthesia by older women or medical professionals, causing significant physical and emotional trauma.
- How can Pakistan effectively address FGM within the Dawoodi Bohra community, balancing cultural sensitivity with the need to protect women's health and rights?
- Continued silence and lack of legal intervention enable the continuation of FGM in Pakistan. Community leaders' resistance to change, coupled with the lack of comprehensive national data, hinders effective solutions. Successful eradication requires community engagement and sensitive dialogue.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames FGM as a severe violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence. This is evident from the opening paragraphs, which powerfully depict the traumatic experiences of survivors. The emphasis on the survivors' emotional and physical suffering shapes the reader's understanding of the practice. While the article presents some arguments from community leaders, the overwhelming focus on the negative consequences of FGM likely influences the reader towards condemning the practice. The use of strong imagery, such as "searing, unforgettable pain," reinforces this frame.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language to describe the FGM experience, such as "searing pain," "shattered trust," and "emotional deficiency." This language effectively conveys the trauma and suffering of survivors. However, it's important to note that this emotive language could be seen as swaying readers' opinions. While this isn't necessarily a bias, it's a stylistic choice that affects the overall tone. More neutral language could be used in places such as replacing "sinful piece of flesh" with "a term used by some within the community".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the experiences of Mariam and Aaliya, providing detailed accounts of their FGM experiences. While it mentions the lack of comprehensive national data on FGM in Pakistan and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in eradicating the practice, it could benefit from including statistics on the prevalence of FGM in other communities besides the Dawoodi Bohras, or data on the effectiveness of interventions in other countries where FGM is also practiced. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue's global scope and potential solutions. Additionally, while the article mentions opposition within the Dawoodi Bohra community, it could expand on the diverse range of views and levels of support for the practice within the community itself.
Gender Bias
The article centers the narratives of female survivors, giving voice to their experiences. While this is crucial, ensuring balanced representation, the article could benefit from including male perspectives within the Dawoodi Bohra community—fathers, brothers, or religious leaders—to gain a more nuanced understanding of attitudes and beliefs related to FGM. This could help uncover potential avenues for community-led change.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article details the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) within the Dawoodi Bohra community in Pakistan. FGM is a severe violation of women's rights and bodily autonomy, directly impacting their physical and mental health and hindering their ability to achieve gender equality. The practice perpetuates harmful gender norms and reinforces power imbalances. The quotes highlight the long-term physical and emotional consequences for survivors, including sexual dysfunction and emotional trauma, which severely limits their opportunities and overall well-being. The lack of legal intervention and societal silence further exacerbates the issue, hindering progress towards gender equality.