White House News Photographers Association, Washington, DC 
The Washington Post
FEMALE CIRCUMCISION IN IRAQI KURDISTAN
A group of girls are gathered at a home in Iraqi Kurdistan where they are told there is a party. In reality, their mothers have brought them to a midwife who will circumcise the girls. Female circumcision is a rite of passage for most girls in Kurdistan. It is meant to “cleanse” them of improper or sexual thoughts and actions.
