It's History...

Clear back to the times of the ancient Egyptians, perhaps back to the beginning of mankind, a distinctive tradition arose. This age old tradition is still practiced today in much of Africa and is known as female circumcision. Female circumcision can be found in over 26 countries across Africa. Sudan and Kenya share some characteristics but it is because of their variations that we see differences in the rate and acceptance of this practice.
Sudan, Africa’s largest country, is to say the least a very unstable country. Civil war has consumed most of the 20th century, and continues today in Sudan. This war is being fought between the Muslims of the North and the Christians of the South. Due to the weakened government there has been little support to humanitarian assistance like education and health concerns. Kenya, on the contrary, is the prime example for African progress. Education levels are greater in Kenya due to its steadier economy and government.
In ancient Egypt, girls were not permitted to marry, enter a mosque or inherit property until they were circumcised. Even though female circumcision is commonly practiced in much of Africa, it has also been found to occur historically in parts of Australia, Asia and perhaps South American. Although the practice of female circumcision can be dated back thousands of years the origins of this practice are uncertain. Studies have found that this practice is predominantly an ethnic one and has nothing to do with political boundaries.
Many have no idea that this practice still exists or perhaps ever has. There are numerous reasons I wish to explore this issue, most chiefly because it is dangerous and harmful. Young girls are undergoing this form of initiation without any choice in the matter as a way to "fit in" with their culture's ways. As I will discuss later, many of these forms of female circumcision, or female genital mutilation, have a profound effect on a woman's capabilities of sexual intercourse. Even so far as to say many forms are used as a control method to keep women under check and without any options to seek out a partner other than the one they were sold to.