SOME TRADITIONAL PRACTICES THAT ARE HARMFUL

Many different tribes or groups of people take pride in their different traditional practices that might be unique to them or might be a practice that has been adopted by others as well however some of these practices have been a cause of concern especially for human rights activists and other people in general who have felt that some of these practices might be too harsh and need to be abolished completely.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Female genital mutilation is a practice mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, this has been proven to be a violation of human rights against girls and women. It has been traced back to deep rooted gender inequality and female discrimination. It is believed that this was encouraged in order for women to have a reduced sex drive so that they never step out of their homes in any case to seek sexual satisfaction outside of their marriage. Many have died during this harmful practice.

SCARIFICATION

This is a practice of making superficial incisions on ones skin, this is done by use of knives, stones or piece of glass, this was for the purpose of identification, for either a status or position in a community. They would use shared instruments and not be cautious on where they are cutting it could be a vital part but all this does not matter. They at high risk of contracting HIV due to the fact they share instruments.

WOMEN WHIPPED TO SHOW LOVE FOR THEIR MEN

In Ethiopia there is a practice among a certain group of people called the Hamar tribe. The women of this tribe are whipped on their backs until they bleed in order to show their love for their men, they are not allowed to scream or cry in fact they are encouraged to ask for more. Members of the tribe believe the elaborate scars show demonstrate a woman’s capacity to love and if they fall on hard times.

EARLY MARRIAGE AND DOWRY

Early marriage is a serious problem which is some girls are subjected as opposed to boys. This is a practice where a child as young as 10 years is given away in marriage and after which they must start having children, this is practiced in Asia and Africa. The reason this practice takes place is the girls virginity and her bride price, parents want to help themselves out of poverty by giving their daughters to older men in marriage.

BABY TOSSING

This is a practice that takes place in India, this has been happening for over 700 years, which would make it one of the oldest dangerous practices. More than 100 babies are tossed from the top of the temple roof to a group of men standing below with a cloth meant to catch babies. It is believed that this brings good luck for the community, married couples who want to have more children.