Bohra women’s group defends ‘khafz’, says FGM should be banned

An organisation representing women of Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community on Saturday defended the practice of female circumcision prevalent in the community saying it does not amount to female genital mutilation (FGM), which needs to be banned.

The organisation issued a statement on Saturday in the wake of Court of Criminal Appeal in New South Wales in Australia overturning the conviction of three people accused of FGM. The court ruled that the traditional Dawoodi Bohra practice of 'khafz' (female circumcision) does not amount to FGM.

Dawoodi Bohra community is a Shia sub-sect of traders hailing predominantly from Gujarat and spread across the world.

The group, Dawoodi Bohra Women's Association For Religious Freedom (DBWRF), said that khafz was a harmless religious ritual that was being followed for centuries, FGM was unwarranted and it should be abolished.

In a statement issued today, secretary and spokesperson of DBWRF, Samina Kanchwala, said, "Khafz is a completely harmless religious ritual followed for centuries and this historic judgement will be welcomed by Dawoodi Bohras around the world, who are struggling to inform public opinion that is intent on denying women their right to practise their religious observance.”

According to her, khafz was a part of their religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution and that the procedure does not amount to FGM.

Khafz is a completely harmless religious ritual followed for centuries and this historic judgment will be welcomed by Dawoodi Bohras around the world –DAWOODI BOHRA MUSLIM COMMUNITY