In Sierra Leone, female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice whereby traditional practitioners remove specific parts of a woman’s genitalia. This process is in accordance with the country’s religious, cultural, and social attributes. This discussion uses the YouTube video FGM in Sierra Leone to analyze the nature of female genital mutilation and how it can be dealt with.
Overview of the Film’s Content
The film FGM in Sierra Leone reveals that around 88 percent of women and girls in Sierra Leone have been gone through FGM (Wayoutarts, 2015). This common cultural malpractice has attracted diverse views and opinions from many people in the nation. Some humanitarian groups and activists view FGM as a human rights concern. Most of the interviewees in the film explain how FGM has supported their marriages. Others indicate that FGM has affected them negatively. The removal of the clitoris, according to the narrator, can make it hard for women to enjoy sex. Members of the Bundu society in Sierra Leone appear to be divided over this malpractice. The side effects of FGM such as reduced pleasure during intercourse, excessive bleeding, increased risk for contracting communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, and inability to give birth naturally are described in this film (Wayoutarts, 2015). The filmmaker uses this movie as a powerful tool for supporting the ban of FGM in this underdeveloped African nation.
Personal Feelings
The information presented in this film is quite emotional and heartbreaking. Although numerous studies have exposed the dangers of female genital mutilation (FGM), it is evident that the malpractice continues to be embraced in many countries across the world. It was sensational to listen to the experiences and painful stories of those who have been cut. It is notable that FGM has affected their sexual lives. Some also testify how giving birth has become challenging because their sexual organs have been mutilated (Wayoutarts, 2015). Personally, I sympathized with most of the young women who expressed their concerns and opinions in this film. I believe that this film is something that should be viewed by more people to understand the issues surrounding FGM. The fact that some women appear to be pleased with FGM is a clear indication that many people in the described society are yet to be sensitized about the malpractice.
Nursing Intervention
Nurses possess adequate competencies and concepts that can be used to support the population presented in this YouTube video. Devi (2018) indicates that specific social practices can determine the health outcomes of different people. The case of FGM in Sierra Leone can, therefore, be treated as a critical health indicator. The use of powerful campaigns and forums to educate more individuals about the dangers of FGM can result in a positive behavioral change. This strategy should focus on men and women and encourage them to combine their efforts to deal with this predicament. The involvement of medical practitioners and health facilities will ensure that more people are informed about the dangers of FGM. This nursing approach will address the problem and support the needs of more underprivileged women in Sierra Leone.
Conclusion
FGM remains a common practice in many countries despite the fact that its negative health impacts are properly documented. Those affected by this problem continue to encounter numerous social and health challenges. Evidence-based measures and interventions should, therefore, be pursued by nurses to empower women in this country. Such campaigns will make it easier for them to achieve their potential.
References
Devi, S. (2018). FGM in Sierra Leone. Lancet, 391(10119), 415. Web.
Wayoutarts. (2015). FGM in Sierra Leone [Video file]. Web.