Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the Philippines: Lanao del Sur

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C) affects an estimated three million girls globally (WHO 2018). Adverse effects to women and girls’ health include severe pain, excessive bleeding, increased risk of infections (including HIV spread through using the same instruments in multiple FGM/C operations), urination problems and psychological trauma. Reproductive health risks include a heightened risk of obstructed labour causing obstetric fistula or postpartum hemorrhage; both major contributors to maternal mortality (WHO 2018).
In the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines, female genital mutilation/cutting is commonly called ‘pag sunnat’ or ‘pag Islam’. The Moro women’s procedure is done at 3-4 years old, or before the first menstruation or menarche. It is usually initiated by an elderly woman in the community who also happens to be a traditional birth attendant (TBA) or ‘panday’ or ‘pakil’. In general, there is very little academic literature that explores the issue of FGM in-depth and its impacts on the well-being of young girls in other tribes in the Bangsamoro region.
This exploratory action research looks at traditional religious and/or indigenous practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting and what impact these may have on women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health; and physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. Using key informant interviews and focus group discussions, the pilot study documents the knowledge and behaviours that currently exist, and aims to surface women’s and girls’ voices within their own sociocultural contexts.
The project works with select communities of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur from March to December 2020. It is implemented by CARE Philippines in collaboration with experienced local community organisers, academicians, and non-government workers from BARMM.

[@zf9206]

Ha? Hindi nanganganak kapag di natutuli? 😑😒

[@bethhaines6340]

Fgm promotes prudism no to fgm