Understanding Female Genital Cutting

REASONS FOR
PERFORMING FGC
Sahiyo’s survey participants had heard of multiple different
reasons for why khatna is practiced in the Bohra community.
The most common reasons were:
For religious purposes 56%
To decrease sexual arousal ​45%
To maintain traditions and customs 42%
For physical hygiene and cleanliness 27%
These findings are similar to the reasons that Ghadially had
found in her study. Back in 1991, Ghadially’s study indicated
that khatna was endorsed by the religious clergy, who often
provided permission and support to the traditional cutters (most
often Bohra women from low-income families). In 2010, Taher’s
study also indicated that the clergy recommended the practice
of khatna.
These findings suggest that because khatna is so closely linked
to religion and tradition, Bohras perceive it as a ​necessity for
social inclusion​ in the community. FGC can be seen as a practice
that solidifies the community’s identity. It is also a marker
of several other social norms, including notions of marriageability,
sexual control, family honour and other codes of conduct.
This explains why the practice is highly valued and strongly
protected by the community.
There is also a ​fear of social boycott​among Dawoodi Bohras,
which leads to the belief that not practicing khatna would go
against the norm and lead to stigmatization from the rest of
the community.
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