Rights for Autonomy and Protection from Violence Essay

Rights for Autonomy and Protection from Violence - Essay Example Local officials and leaders who are against it see no value for FGM, particularly when human rights are considered. First, FGM violates autonomy. Girls, as young as one year old, are being forced to undergo FGM. It does not even matter if it is a simple â€Å"circumcision,† as Omoigui wrote in her article, â€Å"HB 22 Bill and Genital Mutilation,† where she defended the merits of female genital cutting.   The main point is that these very young children are forced to do something they do not understand and believe in. Second, an increasing number of local officials believe that FGM is a form of violence against women. Diallo remembers how some women pinned her down, as one performed an excruciating circumcision (Poggioli). Her community violated her physically and psychologically. Based on these human rights alone, local officials and leaders can be further compelled to support FGM’s eradication. Numerous leaders from different religious denominations believe t hat FGM is not based on the Holy Scripture. While some Muslims and Christians believe that FGM is written in the Bible, other religious leaders counter these claims (Poggioli). These religious leaders are certain that the Word of God does not espouse the mutilation of young children for the sake of hygiene, culture, or religion. These leaders will be useful in influencing communities and families in changing their mindset toward FGM. For parents of daughters, the arguments that will rally their support further are human rights and love for their children.