Wrestling with Contradictions: Human Rights and Traditional Practices Affecting Women

This article examines the question of whether or not traditional cultural practices, particularly female genital operations (FGO), can be legitimately criticised on the basis of international human rights norms. The author's approach in this article emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural and historical differences. The author begins by considering the cultural arguments that have been used either to justify or condemn FGO. The author then seeks to deepen our understanding of the FGO debate by discussing the cultural context of FGO, the factors that have shaped the FGO debate, and the perceptions of women who belong to societies where FGO are performed. Finally, the author examines the international human rights norms that may be applicable to FGO as well as the involvement of international bodies in this issue. Strategies are suggested for fighting FGO. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Female Genital Cutting, International]