Every year, millions of women and girls around the world are subjected to a dangerous and harmful procedure known as female circumcision. This controversial practice involves the partial or complete removal of a woman’s external genitalia. Among the victims are women and girls from the North Caucasian republics of Russia, where the practice persists despite the lack of legal repercussions from Russian authorities.
The Russian publication Verstka explores how this violent ritualistic tradition continues to exist in modern Russia and what, if anything, the authorities and religious leaders are doing to combat it.
What is Female Circumcision?
Female circumcision is a practice that results in trauma or the partial or total amputation of a woman’s external genitalia. The procedure significantly reduces sensitivity, and many women lose the ability to experience sexual pleasure or orgasm as a result.
Not for Medical Purposes
The procedure is not performed for medical reasons but instead for ritual or religious purposes, primarily as a way to suppress female sexuality. Because of this, the term “female circumcision” is rarely used in medical circles. Instead, it is referred to internationally as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is recognized as an act of violence and discrimination against women. Many international laws classify FGM as a violation of women’s health and human rights.
Who are the Victims?
The victims of FGM are typically young girls under the age of 15. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 230 million women worldwide have undergone FGM by 2024. While the practice is most prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, it also occurs in Russia, particularly in the North Caucasian republics of Dagestan, Ingushetia, and Chechnya.
Serious Health Consequences
FGM has severe and lasting consequences for women’s health. These range from excruciating pain and trauma to life-threatening complications like excessive bleeding, infections, and long-term reproductive issues. The procedure also increases the risk of complications during childbirth, with maternal and infant mortality rates rising by as much as 50%. Women may experience menstrual irregularities, chronic infections, and pain during sexual intercourse for the rest of their lives.
Why is FGM Performed?
The practice of female circumcision is often justified by cultural traditions or religious beliefs. In some communities, it is seen as a rite of passage into adulthood or a way to control a woman’s morality and sexuality. The practice is often linked to Islam, although it is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran. In some cases, local religious and cultural interpretations may deem it as permissible or even mandatory.
The “Justification” Behind It: Controlling Female Sexuality
Proponents of FGM claim it helps curb sexual desire in women. Zakir Magomedov, a journalist from Dagestan, reported that local religious publications have described FGM as beneficial for women, claiming it protects them from “lustful thoughts and desires.”
In reality, the procedure is usually carried out by untrained individuals using crude instruments like old pocket knives or cattle shears, posing a grave risk to the girls and women subjected to it.
Official Stance of Russian Authorities
Russia’s official stance on FGM is one of condemnation. In 2016, a report by the organization “Legal Initiative” brought global attention to the existence of FGM in Russia. Ismail Berdiev, head of the Coordination Council of Muslims of the North Caucasus, made the controversial statement, “All women should be circumcised so there is no debauchery on Earth.” However, he later clarified that he was not advocating for female circumcision but was instead commenting on the societal issue of “debauchery.”
The Russian Ministry of Health publicly condemns the practice, and although the Dagestan prosecutor’s office opened an investigation into the claims from the “Legal Initiative” report, it failed to confirm the allegations.
Legislative Gaps
Russian legislator Maria Maksakova-Igenbergs from the United Russia party suggested amending the country’s Criminal Code to include “women’s discrimination on religious grounds” and proposed a punishment of 10 years in prison for anyone performing FGM. However, the Ministry of Justice rejected this initiative, claiming the current laws already cover such actions under existing statutes related to “causing harm to health.”
The Reality in the North Caucasus
Despite official opposition, FGM remains common in certain regions of the North Caucasus. According to the “Legal Initiative”, around 1,240 girls in Dagestan undergo the procedure each year. Based on interviews, many men in these areas oppose banning the practice, citing both Islamic teachings and local traditions. Some argue that FGM reduces women’s sexual sensitivity, ultimately affecting men’s sexual experiences.
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