Seven-year-old Mariam was ecstatic as her mother dressed her in her favorite powder pink frock and styled her hair in two pigtails with butterfly clips. She was told she would be attending a surprise birthday party for her cousin. However, her excitement turned to fear and confusion when her aunt led her to a dilapidated building with peeling walls and a cold metal table inside. Despite the soft murmurs of reassurance from a curly-haired old woman, Mariam found herself restrained on the table, experiencing sharp, searing pain that would forever change her life. This painful experience split her existence into a “before” and an “after,” shattering her trust in her mother, the person she believed in the most.
Now 27 years old, Mariam still bears the scars of that day, feeling like a part of her has been taken away. She struggles with emotional deficiencies and a lack of understanding of her sexual needs. As a member of Pakistan’s Dawoodi Bohra community, where female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice, Mariam’s story is not isolated. Estimates suggest that a significant percentage of Dawoodi Bohra women in Pakistan undergo FGM in private residences or medical facilities without anesthesia or sterilized tools.
Despite global efforts to end FGM, the practice continues within the Dawoodi Bohra community, with leaders like Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin reaffirming its necessity. Women who speak out against the practice face threats of excommunication, further perpetuating the culture of silence surrounding FGM in Pakistan. The lack of comprehensive national data and legal intervention adds to the challenges faced by those trying to eradicate this harmful practice.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of community engagement and education to address the misconceptions and dangers of FGM. While cultural traditions and beliefs play a significant role in perpetuating the practice, sensitively approaching the issue and providing accurate information about the risks involved is crucial in bringing about change. Without collaborative efforts between the government, healthcare providers, and community members, the cycle of FGM in Pakistan is likely to persist, causing long-lasting harm to women and girls.