Why?
There are many reasons why female genital mutilation is practiced across the world. According to Robinson (2011) there are three main reasons: “promoting cultural identity, protecting tradition or religion” (p. 113). Other reasons for female circumcision are that it represents a girl’s virginity and honor, it is believed to improve hygiene, or it “improves the girl’s marriage prospects”. (Robinson, 2011, p. 113). “In some communities, the mutilated genital is a symbol of feminity, of transition from girl to women and of beauty” (Mackie as cited by Utz-Billing and Kentenich, 2008, p. 226). Female circumcision is a cultural identity that allows the women to be accepted (or participate) in the community (Konoyannis & Katsetos, 2010, p. 33).