The physical and psychosocial funtionalities of female circumcision practice among Meranaos in the Philippines / Salmah Lao Manalocan-Basher

"This study investigated the the underlying beliefs and practices of female circumcision among Meranaos in the Philippines. This also determined the common procedure followed in performing the said practice. The study utilized two approaches to research namely: quantitative and qualitative methods. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used to describe the demographic profile of the respondents and their answers on the structured questionnaire. The qualitative component utilized the ethnographic approach wherein in-depth interview, focus group discussion and direct observation were used to collect the qualitative data. Six local communities fron the municipalities of Lumbatan, Lumbayanague and Sultan Dumalondong all in the province of Lanao del Sur in the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Philippines were selected as the focus area of the study where sample respondents were drawn, thirty (30) Manunuris (person who performs female circumcision), 30 religious leaders, 30 females who have undergone circumcision and 30 male (not spouses of those who undergone the practice) serve as respondents of the study. They all belong to the Meranao tribe who derive much of their identity and history from lake Lanano. Thematic presentation of data was done. Beliefs of female circumcision showed common viewpoints among female respondents and Manunuris as they believe that this practice has religious basis in the Hadith, and as a symbol of fidelity to the institution of marriage and commitment to Islam. Pricking and removing some tissues from clitoris is the most common method utilized.Problems in the functionalities inherent in this practice mentioned by the female respondents were: pain, bleeding, infection anxiety, trauma and fear. the positive respondents mentioned were increase lconfidence, obidience, and improve social interaction. Male respondents have uncertainty concerning the basis of this practice the religious leaders confirmed that the verse in the Hadith concerning circumcision is not clear and inconclusive and expressed their agreement in the eradication of practice. In conclusion, the practice of female circumcision has no solid or unequivocal religious foundation and seemed to be practiced by some Meranaos more as tradition that has been handed over by the past generations due to its percieved benifit of helping women bocome a devout Muslim. "

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