One of the women performed firauni,” the 45-year-old mother of five says, recalling the day she was circumcised. NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCEYoung girls in Mt Elgon undergo an FGM ceremony /FILEHawa nearly died due to excessive bleeding. When asked why she underwent the cut, Hawa says its a cultural belief handed down over the generations. It’s also believed that the cut ensures premarital virginity and marital fidelity, as it reduces a woman’s libido and helps her resist extramarital sex. I had difficulties because it was a long and difficult labour because of the cut.

Source: The Star February 06, 2018 05:03 UTC