Mina trembled as she spoke, "I will never forget that horrifying room. It was filled with the stench of blood and urine. Several women, cloaked entirely in black robes, coldly stared at me. They made me lie down on a frame that resembled a birthing bed, spread my legs apart, and then secured them to the frame. They held a knife, shaved off all my pubic hair, and then used tweezers to pull at the part of my vulva they were about to cut off."
I asked in confusion, "Why didn't they use local anesthesia? Why make you endure such excruciating pain?"
Mina explained, "It's part of a religious custom. Only by experiencing intense pain can one stay away from promiscuity and maintain virginity. Also, girls who perform well during circumcision have the chance to become respected saints."
I shook m
