BREAST IRONING

I was made aware of this practice when I was listening to a talk radio show in South Africa. A caller mentioned it—there the euphemism is “breast sweeping”—and the host was startled and wanted to discuss it. The radio host must have been told it is a no go area because the topic was quickly dropped. But having heard the term I had to research it.

It is most researched in Cameroon. It was only exposed in 2006 by a German NGO. However, I have found references to it in other African countries, including DRC. The practice is as horrific and painful as it sounds. The long term consequences are a higher risk of cysts, breast cancer, and problems breast feeding. The physical pain might fade, but the psychological pain doesn’t. It affects their intimate relationships when they don’t want their breasts touched.

It can start as early as 8 or 9 years old. The implements used can be hot rocks, pestles, spatulas, coconut shells, tight elastic bandages, heated fruit pits, and sometimes they cut the breasts to suck out the fat.

It is all done “for the good of the girl”. The belief is if she starts showing breasts boys will start getting interested and she might get pregnant. Instead of talking about sex and teaching a girl she has a right to her own body and a right to say no, she get physically and emotionally damaged.