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Women Shamed for Menstruating
Just one of the challenges women face around the world, from breast ironing to FGM
Women everywhere get periods yet in most parts of the world this natural process is used to shame women and girls. This is part and parcel of a general neglect of women’s health issues in much of the world as well as practices that are abusive.
While not having access to menstrual pads and tampons causes serious issues for women, it’s not the worst challenge that many face.
Challenges of Being a Woman from Breast Ironing to FGM
Women around the world face many challenges.
In parts of Africa, girls are subject to the humiliating, painful, and sometimes traumatic procedure called “breast ironing”. In order to protect their daughters from potential sexual advances, mothers will use hot stones and other heated items to pound the girls’ breasts flat.
Africa is also a place where female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced. This heinous practice also occurs in much of the Middle East. Not only is the original procedure painful, it can also lead to health issues such as urinary and vaginal infections, chronic pain, infertility, fatal hemorrhage, cysts, and complications during childbirth.
