What is Female Genital Mutilation?

What Is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non‑medical reasons. It is internationally recognised as a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights and has no health benefits :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

📊 Prevalence & Who Is Affected

• Over 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, mainly in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Each year, about 4 million girls, typically under age 15, are at risk :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Practices vary widely by region and culture—Somalia has nearly universal prevalence (~99%) among women 15–49, while diaspora communities also carry the practice abroad :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

📌 Types of FGM

The WHO categorises FGM into four types:

1. Type I (clitoridectomy): Removal of the clitoral glans and/or prepuce.
2. Type II (excision): Removal of clitoris & labia minora, with or without labia majora.
3. Type III (infibulation): Narrowing the vaginal opening—stitching labia—often most severe.
4. Type IV: Other harmful procedures (e.g., pricking, cauterisation) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

⚕️ Health & Psychological Consequences

• Immediate: Severe pain, bleeding, infection, shock, urinary retention :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Long‑term: Cysts, chronic infection, childbirth complications, increased neonatal risk, obstetric issues :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Psychological: Trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

🌐 Cultural Drivers

Often practised as a rite of passage, hygiene, tradition, or to secure marriage. Despite common belief, no major religion mandates it :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🚫 Legal & Human Rights Perspective

• FGM is illegal or criminalised in many countries through international conventions (e.g., Maputo Protocol, SDG 5.3) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• A growing number of nations outside Africa also prosecute FGM in diaspora communities :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🌍 Global & Community Efforts to End FGM

• Education, community dialogue, and alternative rites of passage are essential :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Organisations like WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, Orchid Project, and local NGOs mobilise legal, educational, and health interventions :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is marked each 6 February to raise awareness :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

📣 Voices & Survivors

• Jaha Dukureh, a Gambian activist who underwent FGM as an infant, now leads global campaigns and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Hundreds of survivors, such as Amani Abby in the UK and Nimco Ali, share their stories to support healing and prevention :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

FAQs on FGM

Is FGM medically justified?

No—FGM has no health benefits and only causes harm :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

Who performs it?

It can be performed by traditional practitioners, sometimes even clinicians—a harmful “medicalisation” that still causes injury :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Can it be undone?

Reconstructive surgery can help physical recovery, but psychological support and sensitive medical care are essential :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Conclusion

FGM is a harmful, non‑medical practice affecting hundreds of millions globally. Ending it requires legal enforcement, education, community participation, survivor support, and international cooperation. Greater awareness and collective action can protect the health, rights and futures of girls everywhere.

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