Across different cultures and societies, traditions have shaped how women’s bodies are seen, treated and regulated.
Some customs are linked to ideas about beauty, purity, marriage, or social status. Others are tied to long-standing beliefs about protecting girls or maintaining cultural identity.
Over time, these beliefs translated into practices that physically altered or regulated the bodies of girls and women.
While many of these customs have faced criticism and legal challenges in recent decades, they continue to exist in parts of the world. Activists, governments and international organisations have worked to raise awareness about their impact.
Here are a few practices from different parts of the world that illustrate how social traditions can influence women’s bodies.
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A Practice Linked To Purity: Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation, often referred to as FGM, involved removing or altering parts of female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
The practice is reported in parts of Africa, the Middle East, Malaysia, some communities in India, and migrant groups in Europe. According to the United Nations, it is often linked to beliefs about purity, modesty and marriageability.
FGM is usually performed during childhood or adolescence. Health experts say the practice can lead to long-term physical and psychological complications.
Many countries have introduced laws against the practice. International campaigns continue to push for its complete elimination.
According to the United Nations, more than 200 million girls and women worldwide are estimated to have undergone female genital mutilation.
Delaying Puberty: Breast Ironing
Breast ironing has been reported in Cameroon and in some communities in Nigeria, Togo, Guinea, and Chad.
The practice involves pressing or pounding a young girl’s developing breasts with heated objects such as stones, spatulas, or grinding tools.
According to the Africa Health Organisation, families often carry out the practice in an attempt to delay puberty and reduce attention from boys or men. In many cases, the procedure is performed by relatives, including mothers.
Health groups say the practice can cause tissue damage, infections, and long-term physical effects.
Beauty Linked To Body Size: Forced Fattening
In parts of Mauritania, a practice known as leblouh involves force-feeding young girls to increase body size.
The custom is linked to traditional beauty standards that associate a larger body with wealth, attractiveness, and marriage prospects.
Girls may be sent to so-called fattening farms where older women supervise high-calorie diets. These diets often include large amounts of millet, butter, and camel’s milk.
Reports by international media organisations say the practice can lead to health complications including digestive problems and long-term metabolic issues.
Beauty and Cultural Identity: Neck Elongation
Among the Kayan, also known as Kayan Lahwi, community in Myanmar and northern Thailand, girls may begin wearing brass coils around their necks from around the age of five.
Over time, additional coils are added. The coils gradually push down the collarbone and upper rib cage, creating the visual effect of a longer neck.
For many in the community, the practice represents beauty and cultural identity. It also plays a role in tourism in some areas.
The tradition continues today, although discussions about health, autonomy, and cultural preservation have emerged in recent years.
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Widowhood Rituals: Social Rules After Loss
In some communities in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, widows are expected to follow strict rituals after the death of their husbands.
These practices can include sexual cleansing rites, inheritance by male relatives, or removal from their homes.
Researchers and public health experts say some of these customs have also been linked to health risks, including the spread of diseases such as HIV.
Several African countries and civil society groups are working to address these practices through legal reforms and awareness campaigns.
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Traditions That Continued To Be Questioned
Many of these traditions developed in specific cultural and historical contexts. Today, they are increasingly part of global discussions around health, human rights, and gender equality.
International organisations, local activists, and governments continue to work on awareness campaigns, education, and legal reforms aimed at protecting women and girls.
While change is visible in many places, these practices still affect millions of women worldwide.
