The Scourge of Breast Ironing

 

By Shina Ani

The issue of breast flattening, also known as breast ironing, is an age-long practice prominent in parts of Cameroon, and it’s controversial. It’s using heated or hard objects to massage, or pound a pubescent girl’s breasts so that they don’t grow.

With a population of 24 million people, nearly over a quarter of Cameroon’s female population have gone through the process. Girls, from the ages of 8 – 14, who have reached puberty constantly face this frightening act. The members of societies which partake in this tradition, including the mothers, are adamant their actions are justified. To them, they have a moral obligation to protect the future of their daughters.

A lot of parents believe that this practice protects young women from rape, unwanted pregnancy, and early marriage. This is a result of the view that a girl’s growing breasts is seen as ‘direct invitation’ for flirting and this can disturb her focus on education. So, the parents flatten their daughters’ breasts to ensure she avoids the distraction brought by boys and men.

To be clear – flat breasts aren’t the issue; the ‘cruel’ process these girls go through is what is wrong. Placing heated hard stones or wooden spoons on direct flesh is barbaric, to say the least. Although I empathize with the sentiment behind this practice, the act itself is unnecessary and can be very damaging. Exposing young girls to such a gruesome experience at a tender stage will very likely have negative psychological and physical implications that can affect them for the rest of their lives. This needs to change.

Sparking conversations around and normalizing female sexuality is the only way to spark this change. One such individual, who is ready to do just that is young fashion designer: Christine Kato.

Through her creative designs, particularly her stylish brand of ladies’ bags with firm breasts crested visibly, Christine Kato is keeping alive the awareness of eradicating breast ironing amongst other negative issues affecting females. Her vision of normalizing female sexuality goes beyond Cameroon and extends to other African nations.

To read her exclusive TW interview, where she talks about normalizing female sexuality, and promoting bodily appreciation for women, buy our latest edition, here.