Reconceptualising and Locating the Succinct Niche of the Practice of Female Circumcision Rite in Africa: A Literature Review

Abstract

Advisedly and visionary, cultures need to be examined, and re-examined holistically to avoid unwarranted and skewed judgement against them, especially from the outsiders. Regrettably, subjective and dishonest treatment of African cultures especially by the west and some African elites have cost Africans their cultures, almost leading to their demise. It is critical, therefore, that a new dawn is ushered in to effectuate and reclaim cultural revival, cultural renaissance, cultural autonomy and emancipation that will reposition cultures such as female circumcision in their rightful niche. This article aims to reconceptualise and locate the cultural of female circumcision in its rightful niche. The article has used a review of literature methodology. Findings indicate that: the culture of female circumcision has immense social capital that could be used to facilitate behavioural change and therefore address social ills such as HIV/AIDS and moral decadence; It needs to be respected by reconceptualising it a new by referring it as female genital operation or surgery; discard retrogressive terminologies such as FGM/C/ torture etc; needs to be understood from “insider’ lenses as opposed to the “outsider” lenses. The article recommends to the governments of Africa to respect the rite and lift the ban; allow people to enjoy their cultural rights; facilitate the removal of retrogressive issues surrounding the rite such as clinical hazards or mishaps; carry out holistic research on the rite to determine its positive and negative aspects.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1335