FGM is carried out as a way to control women's sexuality, which is sometimes said to be insatiable if
parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are not removed. It. is thought to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity afterward, and to increase male sexual pleasure.
"It can ensure virginity (maintain chastity before marriage)
It can ensure fidelity during marriage
It will increase male sexual pleasure
It can secure or enhance fertility
It can secure the economic and social (i.e. marital) future of
daughters
It will prevent the clitoris from growing long like a penis
Through the reduction or elimination of the female genitalia,
that this will attenuate the sexual desire in the female
The female genitalia are considered both dirty and unsightly
It will keep the female clean, and more hygienic
It is an important ritual and part of the initiation of girls into
womanhood
It is 'tradition' and part of one's cultural heritage
That it is a religious mandate -- although the practice
predates both Christianity and Islam"