Female Genital Mutilation in Bohra Muslim Community: A Conundrum to Muslim Women and Child Rights

Abstract

The female body is worshipped around the world in several cultures given the power it holds when it comes to procreating a new life. With numerous conventions, statutes, legislation, and regulations, it is believed that society is thriving progressively, however, after digging deeper, humans stumble across certain norms and customs, that make us question if society has actually progressed as humans claim to. In this paper, the researchers have shed light on such a significant conundrum, which generally does not attract the deserving attention which is “Female Genital Mutilation” among Bohra Muslims. The government fails to acknowledge its existence despite 75% of the community practicing it discreetly. It is not only mentally brutal but the physical attributes associated with it can shake humans to their core since this mutilation practice is performed on young girls by untrained midwives subjecting the victims to life-long ailments. Several ground reports of the victims who have gone under the knife merely to satisfy the patriarchal mindset and the factors influencing and encouraging the same have been mentioned in the paper. Further, the researchers have widely discussed the response of international bodies such as WHO, and UNICEF against the brutal practice and the prevailing situation in India. The current status of FGM with regard to the legal system is disheartening since prime facie, the practice infringes the women’s rights such as the right to privacy, the right to equality, the right to attain the highest standard of health, the right to intercourse, as well as the right to motherhood. However, it does not halt here, FGM also infringes child rights by subjecting them to cruelty.  The researchers have recommended certain aspects which could be incorporated into the Indian legal system to tackle the conundrums risen by female genital mutilation in Bohra Muslims.