Sexual mutilation of females is practiced in many countries throughout the world. Clitoridectomy is one form of painful mutilation widely practiced in African countries. Specifically, this ritual involves removal of the clitoris and accompanying labia minora. Among the Gusii, an African tribe, young girls have their clitoris removed in a brutal ceremony, which also includes other extremely painful and humiliating rituals.

Originally performed in late adolescence, victims now average eight to 10 years of age. Young girls who wish may postpone participation in the ritual. However, due to the great cultural significance attached to it, virtually all females eventually submit to the practice. To refuse is to be denied status as an adult member of the tribe.

The procedure is typically performed by older women on children, beginning as early as age three. In some areas, removal of the clitoris is performed, ostensibly as a medical procedure, in hospitals. Wherever it takes place, it is an extremely painful and dangerous procedure. Children often die from shock, excessive bleeding or infection following such operations. Survivors may experience a number of painful complications later.

Origins of this practice are unclear. Though some explain it as a religious rite, there is little evidence that any religion specifically requires such a procedure. All major religions are represented in groups that practice clitoridectomy. Other explanations include custom, prevention of female promiscuity and a host of "health" reasons. As recently as the 1940s, clitoridectomy was practiced in the United States and Great Britain as a cure for child masturbation, insomnia and other ills.

Although approved of within many subcultures the practice of clitoridectomy is widely condemned around the world as a cruel and abusive practice. Many groups that formerly engaged in this painful ritual have now abandoned it.

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