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FGM August short story competition

My wedding night was incredibly nerve-wracking, but not for the reasons you might assume.
I had to undergo deinfibulation, the surgical procedure that would correct the mutilation done to my genitalia twelve years ago by my grandmother, Kansime
In the hospital operating room, I look up at my husband, Dele and I see him looking back at me with poorly disguised worry.
The doctor had explained how this was a relatively minor surgery. She made it sound so easy.
But as I look down my body at the curtain blocking off the activities of the doctor, memories of that bloody day assailed my senses.
Even though I was anaesthetised to the physical pain, the emotional pains that lingered clawed their way up my body.
I saw a scrub nurse pass a scalpel to the doctor. The blade she would use to tear me open again.
A similar instrument Kansime had weilded on another special day for me: The day of my “Purification”.
Two memorable days. Two blades.
But, that’s where the similarities ended. This scalpel was brand new, sterile and sharp as a razor should be, the other had been as old as I could remember, covered in blood, rust and the pain of my predecessors.
It was my grandmother’s job to “purify” the girls of my village. Having lived with her all my life, I knew what to expect when it was my turn to be “purified”
“This is going to make you an acceptable woman in society” Kansime had told me.
But I knew better
I was held by four women who had me pinned in their vice-like grips, stilling my struggles
“Mama, no!” I screamed repeatedly as Kansime cut my clitoris.
White hot pain radiated from that point and enveloped my whole being.
It was so painful, I barely noticed as she stitched my vulva closed, save for a little opening that a finger could barely pass through.
“All done!” The doctor announced.
After getting settled in my private recovery room, I was left alone with my husband for the first time since I met him yesterday. Ours had been a marriage arranged by my grandmother.
Nervously, I asked “What now?”
“Now, you sleep” He kisses my forehead reassuringly like he senses the direction of my troubled thoughts.
Kansime had done only one thing right and that was her choosing this wonderful man for me.

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79 Responses

  2. This is such a horrible thing. I’ve never understood the purpose behind this. Its a barbaric tradition that needs to be stopped. This short story is amazing

  16. I can only imagine the number of women that have to endure the trauma and physical scars from FGM… this was a great read, a lot is happening in the world and I’m glad we are raising awareness

  17. I can only imagine the number of women that have to endure the trauma and physical scars from FGM… this was a great read, a lot is happening in the world.

  40. I’m so glad we’re speaking up against this terrible tradition… So many young girls are victims and it’s really heartbreaking, good write up dear.

  43. This disguised-as-humane but totally inhumane and barbaric act to the female gender should be abolished and no longer be practiced. Good writeup. There should be more enlightenment on the dangers of FGM to the world. Kudos spp mi👍

  50. It’s been a while i read something really educative as this….. Kudos to the writer. i must say FGM should be treated on same level as other societal problems.

  71. Wow! I love this write up. Clearly, not much is being done to stop this practice as some parts of the world still indulge in them. Let’s all work to fight FGM!!

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