New Delhi: Breast ironing, also known as breast flattening, involves the pressing and massaging of a young girls developing breasts with hard or heated objects. Typically carried out by close female relatives, this traditional practice aims to protect girls from sexual harassment, early pregnancy, and forced marriage by making them less attractive to men. Despite its protective intentions, breast ironing inflicts severe physical and psychological harm, leaving long-lasting scars on survivors.Shielding girls from sexual predatorsPrimarily practiced in Cameroon, breast ironing is rooted in the belief that delaying breast development can shield girls from sexual predators. This practice is also found in other African countries, including Nigeria, Togo, Guinea, Côte dIvoire, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. It is particularly prevalent in urban areas where the perceived risk of sexual abuse is higher.The most common tool used for breast ironing is a wooden pestle, though other implements such as leaves, bananas, coconut shells, grinding stones, ladles, spatulas, and hammers heated over coals are also used. The procedure usually takes place in private settings to avoid detection, especially by male family members. Depending on the girls resistance, the process can last from weeks to several months, causing significant physical trauma.My Breast Ironing Dilemma💔“My Mom Damaged My Breasts But I Dont Blame Her Because She Was Trying To Save Me From Child Marriage!”Mrs Fanya Recounts:“I was 10 years old when my breasts fast-developed and made me look older than my age-mates. When I was eleven years old, I pic.twitter.com/SVfNn90BUK— Girdle Advocacy Projects #EndViolenceAgainstWomen (@thegirdlengr) December 9, 2023Results from absence of safer sex practice Breast ironing may have evolved from ancient practices intended to alleviate nursing pain and even out breast sizes. However, it now serves as a method to control young girls bodies, reflecting deeper societal issues where women lack autonomy and are not socialized to negotiate safer sex practices. The practice is tied to social norms that encourage polygyny and early marriage, particularly in regions where early sexual maturity is either irrelevant or preferable.Ive never enjoyed life as a woman and a mother I know the cause but I cant blame her!”Lets #Endbreastironing #Endchildmarriage #EndViolenceAgainstWomen 🙏🏽#WomensRightsAreHumanRights #WomanLifeFreedom #WomensHealth #WomensRights #WomenDidnaeWheesht #WomenEmpowerment pic.twitter.com/SAnD9m1uPv— Girdle Advocacy Projects #EndViolenceAgainstWomen (@thegirdlengr) December 9, 2023Physical and psychological damageThe health consequences of breast ironing are severe and varied. Immediate effects include intense pain and tissue damage, while long-term repercussions can involve difficulties with breastfeeding, increased risk of infections, cysts, and even breast cancer. The physical deformities and psychological trauma from this practice can last a lifetime, contributing to high dropout rates among girls and hindering their ability to lead healthy, independent lives.Opposition and legal challengesEfforts to combat breast ironing include campaigns by organizations like GIZ and RENATA, which highlight its dangers and advocate for legal action. While some legal frameworks, such as Nigerias Violence Against Persons and Prohibition (VAPP) Act, criminalize harmful traditional practices, enforcement remains weak. Awareness and education efforts are crucial in changing perceptions and reducing the prevalence of this harmful tradition.Personal stories of pain and lossThe story of Elizabeth John, a Cameroonian refugee in Nigeria, represents the deep personal toll of breast ironing. Subjected to the practice at age 10, she has endured years of pain and complications, including difficulties with breastfeeding that led to the loss of her child. Despite medical advice and awareness of the damage caused, cultural beliefs often override health concerns, perpetuating this cruel tradition.Breast ironing is a deeply entrenched cultural practice with devastating consequences for millions of girls and women across Africa. Understanding its cultural underpinnings reveals the extreme lengths to which communities go to protect girls from sexual abuse. The real issue lies in the unsafe environments that compel families to resort to such drastic measures. Addressing the root causes of sexual abuse and improving the overall safety and rights of women and girls is imperative to eradicate the need for practices like breast ironing.Concerted efforts from governments, human rights organizations, and communities are required to educate, advocate, and enforce laws that protect girls from such harmful traditions. Only through awareness and action can the cycle of pain and oppression be broken, allowing future generations to grow up free from such brutality.
