Traditional Breast Ironing Increases in Cameroon

Yesterday, The Huffington Post posted a video of girls in Cameroon undergoing the practice of "breast ironing". Affecting one in every four girls, the cruel practice of breast ironing is on the rise in the African nation of Cameroon. The procedure involves the flattening of a girl's developing breasts with hot stones, coconut shells, and other objects and is considered a way to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and sexual assaults.

Current TV reports that Cameroonian mothers believe that breast ironing will protect their daughters from becoming pregnant or being assaulted. So what's the reasoning behind this? Apparently, by postponing female development men will not be enticed by their breasts. Since dietary habits in Cameroon have been developing girls have been starting puberty as young as age 9 and are thus subject to the practice around the same age.

There has not been much medical research done on the brutal practice, however Cameroonian women have reported numerous physical conditions including bruising and deformation. Additionally, the practice induces severe psychological damage.

Local law is restrictive in protecting girls from the practice. While one can report an incident, there is nothing done to prevent it. Consequences are also lax as those who are prosecuted will be in jail for less than three years.

The procedure of breast ironing has been compared to the practice of female circumcision. Fortunately, many human rights activists are trying to bring theses practices to light as well as the damage they cause.

For more information on the brutal practice of breast ironing, please watch the Current TV report.

Sources:
Huffington Post
Current TV