Huuba irraa Fuudhuu: Female Genital Cutting among the Oromoo, in Dawo District, Ethiopia

Abstract

This article deals with female genital cutting (FGC) among the Oromoo in central Oromia, Ethiopia. The target community refers to circumcision of both sexes as "huubairraafuudhuu" or "dhaqnaqabuu," which means "removing the unwanted" or "touching the genitals." The article aims at assessing how FGC has survived all efforts to end it. We collected qualitative and quantitative data through fieldwork, using interviews, FGDs, case studies, and questionnaires. The findings of this study revealed that FGC is a common practice among the target population. The Ethiopian criminal code labels FGC as a criminal act and a violation of the human rights of women. There are also different initiatives working to end FGC. Despite these, the practice of FGC persists in favor of longstanding cultural values. More than 90% of the schoolgirls who responded to our questionnaire have undergone FGC. The parents keep the practice confidential to escape any threat of legal prosecution. Circumcising girls at an early age, confusing FGC with male circumcision, and avoiding any colorful circumcision ritual are some of the ways to conceal the cutting. Ensuring physical and ritual purity, securing sexual decency, premarital virginity, ensuring femininity, and enhancing marriageability are the major factors contributing to this practice. Women who themselves have undergone FGC are at the forefront of promoting it. They are those who have internalized the prevailing patriarchal values. Thus, we conclude that FGC is the result of the continuation of patriarchal values working in their latent form.