What is Clitoridectomy?

Clitoridectomy is a procedure done to external female genitalia. The term, in reality, should not be used to refer to female excision in the collective sense, because it is also used to identify a certain type of procedure. There are actually four separate types of female excision and the World Health Organization has opted to refer to them as either 'female genital mutilation' and/or 'female genital cutting'(1). Some groups consider the term "mutilation" to be offensive to those who have undergone the procedure, but the WHO feel it's appropriate given the severity of the issue.

This video shows the circumcision practices of one African tribe. From what I can tell, the excisor is describing the second type, clitoridectomy. This video also shows the superstition surrounding the practice; this tribe is not unique in it's thinking. In addition, you can see the lack of medical equipment or safety.
These terms refer to "all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia or other injury to the female organs for non-medical reasons"(2). FGM is most commonly performed on girls aged 0 to 15 years, but is also performed on married or unmarried adult women. The age of the girls/women vary by location and culture, but it has been observed that the overall age at the time of the procedure is falling(3). The type of procedure also varies by ethnicity. Ethnicity, not religion, is the most decisive factor when considering the prevalence in a given area(4).

The four types of FGM are: 1. "ritualistic circumcision"- the least severe of the four types 2. "sunna"- a Muslim term used to describe this moderate form 3. "clitoridectomy"- the most common form 4. "infibulation"- the most severe form in which all external genitalia are removed and the vagina is sewn shut(5).

Diagram: The 3 types of FGM. Everyday Life in Iberia. From Alexa and Marta's blog. lifeiniberia.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html

Notes:
1. WHO. "Eliminating Female Genital Mutilation". Geneva: WHO Publishing, 2008. 3.
2. WHO, "Eliminating Female...", 1.
3. Ibid., 4.
4. Ibid.
5. Maria Michela Mazano. "Universalism and Cultural Specificity: Female Circumcision, Intrinsic Dignity, and Human Rights". In Human Rights and Military Intervention. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing Limited, 2002. 51.