Name: Aboaba Bolanle Course: English 102 006 Instructor: Douglas Terry Assignment: Argumentative Research Paper Topic: Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) in Africa Date: 04/01/2014 Introduction Female genital mutilation is a global issue which is related to several social issues, but for the purpose of this study, in order to gain a broader view, I will limit my study to African countries. It has become necessary to see this practice beyond traditional beliefs and start examining the causes of this behavior because it has caused more harm than good. Parents and victims of FGM could have made a better decision in expressing their human rights if they had more knowledge about the emotional, psychological and medical complications of female circumcision. History and Origin of FGM I would like to use this article to demonstrate that this practice originated from the mere personal perception of some uneducated individuals and has since been passed down and embraced by uneducated generations. Female genital mutilation as a cultural practice originated in Africa. Boyle (2002) In Africa it is practiced in most of the continent including Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Upper Volta, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Mozambique and Sudan. It is an intercultural and interreligious ritual, performed by Muslims, Coptic Christians, Protestants, Catholics and members of various indigenous groups. In fact, circumcised females have been discovered among the mummies of ancient Egyptians who had absolutely no knowledge of the medical implications of FGM. In Africa, female circumcision has been reported in at least twenty-six countries and can be seen as a public health problem "due to its wide geographical distribution, the number of women involved... half of the paper..." .lack of knowledge .Molly (2001) explained the strategy used to eradicate FGM in Senegal through an educational program called “TOSTAN” which literally means in Wolof, “to break the egg”. This problem-solving process gave them insight into how a woman is conceived, because some women had no idea what their private area should normally look like. They were explained through practical illustrations the reasons for their health problems and how FGM has spread many diseases among them and how it has been passed on to their husbands and children. This was successfully achieved because all parties involved (women, men, church, traditional rulers) in the practice of FGM were able to lend their support by making themselves available to be educated and enlightened about the practice. FGM problems. Solution and conclusion