Tradition that dehumanises women.

Maasai women are subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) at puberty to mark their entry into womanhood. FGM in Maasai culture is considered to be the most significant rite of passage to adulthood thought to enhance tribal and social cohesion increase a girls marriage opportunities and increase a fathers status within the community. Even though the least intrusive form of FGM holds serious immediate and long-term health risks for the initiate the World Health Organization estimates that at least 100 million women in more than 20 African countries have undergone FGM. FGM leaves both physical and psychological scars. The type of FGM most commonly practiced among the Maa-speaking ethnic groups is excision in which the clitoris and the adjacent parts of the labia minora are removed. Many Samburus also practice infibulation which involves the sewing together of the two sides of the vulva. Common long-term complications of FGM are repeated urinary tract infections chronic vaginal infections excessive growth of scar tissue and stones in the urethra and bladder caused by obstruction of the menstrual flow leading to reproductive tract infections and infertility. The most serious complications of FGM however present during pregnancy in the form of prolonged labor and tissue rupture.