Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a form of gender based violence continually perpetuated in Egypt based on religious beliefs and cultural tradition. Deeply entrenched in patriarchal structures, FGM/C is a manifestation of gender inequality permitted to continue by historical and religious societal aspects. This interpretive work identifies social and cultural factors that have aided in defining FGM/C as a religious requirement and allowed for its widespread prevalence. It has been undertaken to better understand the large role Islamic and Christian religions have played in the continuation of the practice. Most Egyptian girls undergo FGM/C on the basis of religion and culture; thus, it is imperative to examine how these factors have evolved and influenced the practice in modern-day society. This reinterpretation aims to contribute to the academic field of history while using literature review and textual analysis to collate source material. Knowledge activities undertaken to produce this interpretive work include detailed reading and close examination of primary and secondary sources, along with sacred texts from the Qur’an and the Bible. The outcome of this work demonstrates how FGM/C has been misconstrued in Islam and Christianity as a practice rooted in and required by such religions. Aspiring to control female sexuality, patriarchal structures in Egypt have historically created socio-cultural factors hidden under the guise of religion to ensure the practice of FGM/C.
Presenters
Chloe GotesStudent, Master of Arts, University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Politics, Social Agendas, Ethics, Human Rights
