Violence towards women is an issue that has been gaining momentum and recognition for quite some time now. Though these shocking and horrible actions and practices still continue they are no longer swept under the rug or treated as unimportant. This is especially evident in the case of the newest photo that won the World Press Photo Award, which depicts a young Afghan woman and the disfigured visage that is the result of fleeing her abusive marriage.
Actions such as these abound every single day and the fact that this photo won attests to the seriousness and increasing importance of this issue. Mutilation is a worldwide occurrence and occurs in many differing ways for numerous reasons. These disfigurements can be attributed to several causes such as fleeing horrible leaders, abusive or destructive marriages, or for ceremonial and religious purposes. Some believe these practices to be useful or attach ceremonial significance to these practices and therefore continue to observe their beliefs even to this day.
These horrifying behaviors are not showing signs of abating anytime soon but the question remains, what can be done about them? Even if we feel that they are wrong in doing so, do we have the right to forbid these practices or enforce and ensure that they are no longer able to practice as they believe they have the right to? What right do we have to judge their customs and deny them the ability or choice to practice such things?
Of course, their beliefs do not make it acceptable to maim or harm others and detract from the well being of others. However, there is no real or workable solution here but education and attempted understanding of all those involved, whether impacted by this issue or not. We can try to push for reform and deter people from resorting to these detrimental practices, but the real question is should we be able to and what will our efforts actually achieve? How can we guarentee that this won't occur again in spite of our efforts?
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