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Between Irua And "Female Genital Mutilation" : Feminist Human Rights Discourse And The Cultural Divide, Hope Lewis

Hope Lewis

“Irua,” or female genital surgery (“FGS”), involves the most private aspects of individual female physical and cultural identity. Yet, the health risks caused by FGS raised concern in cultures in which FGS is not traditionally practiced. There has been extensive dialogue regarding the implications of FGS for cross-cultural feminist approaches to human rights. This Article examines the controversy over FGS terminology as it reflects more complex debates over FGS as a violation of international human rights. It further assesses the reasons offered to justify Western feminists’ participation in cross-cultural strides to address FGS through human rights law. In addition, the …