What is Female Genital Mutilation?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or any other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision.
FGM is typically carried out on girls before they reach puberty, often between the ages of 4 and 14. It is practiced in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but can also be found in some communities in Europe and North America.
FGM has no health benefits, and it can cause a range of physical and psychological problems. These include severe pain, bleeding, infection, difficulty urinating, and complications during childbirth, among others. The procedure is usually performed by traditional practitioners who have no medical training, using unsterilized equipment, and often without anesthesia.
FGM is a violation of human rights, and it is recognized as such by the United Nations and many governments worldwide. Efforts to eliminate the practice include education and awareness campaigns, community mobilization, legal frameworks, and support for survivors.
It is important to note that FGM is different from male circumcision, which involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis and is commonly practiced in some cultures and religions for various reasons