On June, 6, 2013, 13-year-old Soheir al-Batea of Daqahliya, northeast of Cairo, died after a doctor performed female circumcision — a practice also referred to as female genital mutilation — on her in his clinic. The physician who conducted the procedure was called in for questioning, interrogated and released on bail pending further investigation.
Months later, a much-delayed forensic report was issued stating the cause of young Soheir’s death to be an allergic reaction to penicillin and no reference was made to the FGM procedure. Sadly, Soheir’s father, who had taken her to the clinic himself, confirmed the doctor’s claims that his daughter suffered from a condition that prompted her to visit the clinic, and the doctor was acquitted.
Soheir’s death was not the first of its kind. She joins a long list of girls who have lost their lives to the ancient practice of FGM and its complications, still rampant in 21st-century Egypt.
About the author
Nihal Elwan
Nihal Elwan is an international development professional with ten years experience researching, designing, implementing and evaluating social development programs with a particular focus on gender and youth issues. She has worked extensively in the Middle East, and currently serves as a World Bank consultant focusing social protection and gender for the Middle East region. Elwan previously worked with the U.N. Development Program, the International Labor Organization and the International Population Council.