Gender, Sexuality, and Religion Essay

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One of the major claims Ahmadu makes in her work is that female sexuality should be gradually left to women and their families without biased judgments and radicalism of any kind. Ahmadu stresses that sexuality is an integral part of the cultural scope of any cultural group, so African females address this issue in terms of the accepted norms. They can hardly be denied the right to follow the established practices as these cultural acts enable them to be integrated into their society (Ahmadu 300). Older women exercise their power by controlling the sexuality of their daughters and granddaughters, while daughters have to follow to be accepted in their community and enjoy the associated rights and access to resources.

The issue of female sexuality is also discussed by Jeffrey Lidke, who explores Hindu practices. The author notes that female sexuality is regarded as strong power females may exercise, like goddesses, but this power is still controlled by men (Lidke 113).

Women are supposed to submit their sexuality and their potential power and almost disintegrate like the goddess is burnt to ashes in flames. In the Hindu context, females also have a certain degree of power. Similar to African women, who encourage (or force) their daughters and granddaughters to follow some traditions, Hindu females choose to follow the old tradition. They voluntarily give away their power (their sexuality), becoming submissive and quite inferior to men.

In conclusion, it is possible to note that Ahmadu’s argument is reasonable and makes sense as no one has the right to say to other groups what is right and what is wrong. At the same time, people can help by educating each other. Ahmadu is right when stressing that young females should know about the nature of the tradition, potential outcomes, as well as numerous other aspects of the world around them.

Works Cited

Ahmadu, Fuambai. “Rites and Wrongs: An Insider/Outsider Reflects on Power and Excision.” Female “Circumcision” in Africa: Culture, Controversy and Change, edited by Bettina Shell-Duncan and Ylva Hernlund, Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001, pp. 283-312.

Lidke, Jeffrey S. “A Union of Fire and Water: Sexuality and Spirituality in Hinduism.” Sexuality and the World’s Religions, edited by David W. Machacek and Melissa M. Wilcox, ABC-CLIO, 2003, pp. 101-132.

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