IndexIntroductionFGM and the treatment of women in Somali cultureNormalization of FGM in SomaliaFGM as a tool of oppression in SomaliaConclusionReferencesIntroductionThe term political subject refers to the understanding of the fundamental foundations of the way the world is is what happens because of a person's experience (Ebel, 2016). My first trip abroad, to my home country of Somalia, was a contrast to my privileged life in the UK. Ironically, being in my own country made me feel like an outsider, due to our opposing views on the mistreatment of women, which evoked a range of emotions. from sadness to anger on my part. FGM (female genital mutilation) is a common and prevalent cultural practice in Somalia. According to UNICEF, “Somalia has one of the highest prevalences of FGM, at 95%.” This constant patriarchal practice that Somali women are subjected to made me question the mistreatment of women and how persistent misogyny was in Somalia. Therefore, in this essay, I will explain and describe my experience that led me to become a political subject. In doing so, it will explain and demonstrate how FGM is still widespread in Somalia. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayFGM and the treatment of women in Somali cultureAs a first generation immigrant, FGM made me conscious and aware of the clash between British and Somali cultures, while I was fond and proud of Somali culture, I detested practices such as FGM. FGM can be classified into four different categories. The first type is referred to as a clitoridectomy, which involves the removal of the clitoris. The second type is called excision and involves the removal of the clitoris and labia minora. Finally, the third type of FGM is called infibulation and involves the cutting and repositioning of the labia minora, using sutures. (National FGM Center) while the act of FGM shocked me due to the mistreatment of women, it made me interested in understanding the treatment of women in society and how politics played a role in allowing the procedure by making it legal, making me question of how society allows the mistreatment of women. To deepen my knowledge of women in Somalia, I attended numerous seminars led by women victims of FGM. This influenced me to pursue a career helping women gain control over their bodies. Normalization of FGM in Somalia I soon realized that I had no chance to speak out against this barbaric practice as it is normalized and even supported by women, even though this may be It is shocking to people outside of Somalia, that people do not they are aware that FGM is normalized and it is actually considered abnormal not to have undergone the procedure. This is because FGM is believed to reduce the chance of contracting HIV and make women purer. Perhaps, women accept the barbaric procedure due to patriarchal society which forces women to internalize the misogyny they face, as Sandra Lipsitz states "During enculturation, the individual gradually internalizes cultural lenses and thus becomes motivated to build an identity that is consistent with them" furthermore, FGM is a tool used to control every aspect of Somali women's lives, both physical and mental. This got me interested in understanding the treatment of women and understanding different political opinions, making me a political subject. FGM as a tool of oppression in Somalia The treatment of what it can be understood as