Legal Definitions - sunna

Definition: Sunna is a type of female genital mutilation (FGM) where the hood of the clitoris is cut off. FGM is the act of cutting or removing one or more female sexual organs. It is primarily practiced among certain tribes in Africa, but also occurs among some immigrant populations in the United States and other Western nations. There are three commonly identified types of FGM: sunna, excision (where the entire clitoris is cut off), and infibulation (where the clitoris, labia minora, and much of the labia majora are cut off).

Example: A young girl in Somalia undergoes sunna as part of a cultural tradition. The procedure is often performed without anesthesia and can cause severe pain, bleeding, and infection. It can also lead to long-term physical and psychological complications.

Explanation: This example illustrates how sunna is a harmful practice that can cause physical and emotional harm to young girls. It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of FGM and work towards ending this harmful practice.