Global Perspective on Gender - Assignment Example

Female gender mutation is reported to be currently practiced in African countries, as well as in identified ethnic groups in Asia, such as: “India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan; by some groups in Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen; and by certain immigrant groups in Europe, Israel, Australia, Canada, and the United States” (Burn, 2011, p. 46). FGM is practiced as a means of rite of passage and initiation to womanhood, a practice considered as a necessity for health (in Senegal), and considered a major source of income, as well as an epitome of respect for women who perform it (in Ghana) (Burn, 2011). Finally, various international organizations have attested efforts advocating for its eradication through asserting that the practice violates human rights. As such, some laws have allegedly been enacted to criminalize the practice.

2. In what ways do governments and politics determine women's reproductive rights or choices? Governments were disclosed to limit, influence, and impact women’s reproductive rights or choices through programs that are funded or promoted (Burn, 2011). For example, sex education programs provide information, support, and resources for the use of contraceptives. Likewise, others design population policies that restrict (or encourage) the number of children per family. Concurrently, politics also legislate policies on reproductive rights, including issues on abortion and family planning.

3. What influence does religion have on women's reproductive rights? Religion significantly influences reproductive rights depending on the beliefs and teachings. As emphasized, there are religious fundamentalists whose teachings include curtailment of women’s reproductive rights; while others who are fundamentalist Christians oppose abortion or access to contraception (Burn, 2011). As asserted for instance, “the Catholic Church explains that its opposition to contraception is based on the belief that it involves setting the will of individuals against God’s will” (Burn, 2011, p. 59).
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