The Clitori' in all its glory

In the hushed cultures of conversations, where words are considered bonds, there lies a word so taboo, so forbidden, it can shift the very atmosphere. Clitoris! Well, that but in Amharic :)

In the Amharic-speaking community (Addis Ababa) I grew up in, uttering the word "clitoris" is akin to unlocking Pandora's box, inviting a wave of discomfort, judgment from women, and unconsented attention from men. So today, as I sat to type away my scattered thoughts, I dared myself to dedicate a few paragraphs to this mighty nerve tower, the clitoris. Despite the unease gnawing at me, a flicker of defiance emerged. I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity. Was I about to ignite a discussion about a body part, or was I tiptoeing into territory deemed too spicy for polite conversation? Amidst my uncertainty, one undeniable truth emerged: the clitoris, with all its taboo associations, is simply a body part, a source of pleasure, plain and simple. With that realization, I steeled myself to confront my nerves and the societal norms tattooed on me and continued jotting down these paragraphs.

Growing up as a shy, relatively conservative young girl in Addis, I felt everything about my body became taboo as soon as I reached 14. I felt as if I was not allowed to see, name, or explore my body. I buried my existence in books, attempting to learn about being a woman while ignoring its manifestation in me. Campus life was unbearable; I was thrown together with six other girls unafraid of walking naked in the dormitory. I was so perplexed. How could a woman do that, and why was it necessary? I built forts every time I changed, avoided the shower during busy hours, and was always conflicted about my belief that my body was not to be seen, even by me. Some girls felt it was normal to shower or change in front of others, but despite their bravery, most felt being a woman was cursed or they frowned upon discussing our anatomy, periods, or sex, except for a very few “really brave” ones.?

A few years ago, I had a moment of boldness beneath someone’s Facebook post criticizing the Amharic word for "clit," describing it as discomforting and unappealing. I commented that nothing is disgusting about the word "????." The response was overwhelming. Numerous men misinterpreted my comment as an invitation for sexual intimacy, calling me promiscuous even. My inbox was flooded with inappropriate messages and graphic images, making me deeply uncomfortable. Disheartening responses from women deemed my comment "inappropriate." Eventually, I deleted my comment and took a break from Facebook for a few weeks.

I wonder, why this single word holds such heavy weight. What is it about the clitoris and its mention that incites such visceral reactions? Female sexuality, veiled in secrecy for generations, emerges as the underlying theme. A friend of mine was shocked when he dated a girl who believed periods were just dirty blood being removed from the body. He couldn't stop mocking the incident, highlighting how little some women understand their bodies. The truth is many of us were sheltered from acknowledging, understanding, and embracing our existence.

In my attempt to write this article, I asked about the names of the clitoris in various Ethiopian languages. Most people said the name is similar to the Amharic version. Many were shocked or puzzled, asking why I wanted to know. I encountered those who were speechless, flushed, and embarrassed. However, one response I received from someone asked by a friend was particularly striking: "I don't think they cared enough to name it; they just like cutting it off."

At the heart of this taboo lies the clitoris; a small yet potent organ nestled within the intricate folds of female anatomy, boasting over 10,000 nerve endings. It stands as the epicenter of female pleasure, an emblem of satisfaction and empowerment. Yet, paradoxically, it is one of the most stigmatized and silenced facets of the female form, relegated to the shadows by societal norms.

Throughout history, societies have grappled with the clitoris, struggling to reconcile its role in female pleasure with entrenched beliefs about women's sexuality. In patriarchal cultures like Ethiopia, where women's bodies are objectified and regulated, the clitoris poses a challenge to the established order, symbolizing women's inherent sexual autonomy.

As women, we are no strangers to oppression, understanding its weight and navigating its intricacies. Yet, there are moments when human cruelty transcends comprehension. The revelation that individuals once sat down and decided to mutilate young girls' bodies to curtail their sexuality and assert control is something beyond comprehension. Across the world, societies have struggled to understand and accept women, particularly regarding their sexuality. In Africa, being a woman is deeply entwined with the fabrics of culture and religion. When women decide to take agency over their bodies, it often incites public turmoil.

Although we cannot deny the liberation some cultures provide to women, draconian customs still build their culture at the expense of women’s health and pleasure. For instance, in countries such as Rwanda and Uganda, customs like labia pulling are purportedly designed to enhance women's sexual pleasure. However, these practices are often inflicted on young, non-consenting females under the pretext that they will become better wives who are more sexually responsive. Recently, women activists have supported pulling as a means of extending women's pleasure and empowering their sexuality, emphasizing that consent must be paramount. Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain in allowing women to make autonomous decisions about their bodies and dissociating female sexuality from notions of sin.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) stands as a particularly harrowing example; a practice deeply concerning for its alteration or injury of female genitalia. Recently, discussions about FGM have reignited across Africa, including in Ethiopia, where many are calling for the disbanding of anti-FGM laws. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clearly stated that there are “no health benefits, only harm” to female genital mutilation. The immediate complications of FGM include severe pain, excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), genital tissue swelling, fever, infections, urinary problems, wound healing issues, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, and even death.

To reduce risks associated with Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), there is a growing recommendation for its medicalization by various stakeholders, including governments and religious institutions. I recently came across a post by Nina Van Eekert that shared research on medicalized FGM, discussing a notable shift towards healthcare professionals performing FGM/C procedures in the Global South. However, it remains uncertain whether this medicalization is effectively contributing to the decline of FGM/C. The issue is subject to debate, with some arguing that medicalization may counteract efforts to end FGM/C. Recognizing the absence of health benefits and the potential for severe physical and psychological harm, discussions surrounding FGM must prioritize its eradication and the support of survivors, refraining from sensationalism or misrepresentation.

As we continue to address these practices, it is crucial to advocate for the bodily autonomy and rights of women everywhere. By challenging harmful traditions and promoting education and consent, we can work towards a future where women's health and pleasure are respected and valued.

Despite its long-standing taboo status, the clitoris emanates a power that cannot be denied. It is time to illuminate this hidden gem, embracing the profound pleasure and empowerment it embodies. Shattering the silence around this remarkable organ is not just a step towards greater sexual freedom and understanding; it is a bold move towards acknowledging and celebrating women's bodies in all their complexity and beauty. Let us break the barriers, educate ourselves and others, and honor the clitoris for the extraordinary source of power and pleasure it truly is. The time for silence should end;? we must be enlightened and empowered. I also urge you to share your thoughts, provide better knowledge, or correct me if you see any misperceptions or factual errors so we can continue to learn together. Power to you!