TW: Blood, FGM, Cutting, Violence against women, Disturbing graphic visuals
6 simple words to describe Female Genital Mutilation: a gross violation of human rights. If you have never heard of it before, you are definitely in for a ride. Keep the trigger warnings above in mind, please!
“The genital mutilation of girls is the most underestimated violation of human rights and womens rights worldwide.” - Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Feminist author.
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Female genital mutilation refers to any procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to female genitals for non-medical reasons. (UNFPA, 2019). It is an extremely old practice and dates back to even before the rise of Christianity and Islam. However, contrary to popular belief, FGM rates are still shockingly high today. Approximately 200 million girls and women are believed to have been subjected to FGM as of 2020 (WHO, 2020). Moreover, FGM rates are still rising. If it continues at this rate, the number of girls cut each year is projected to rise to 4.6 million in 2030 itself. (UNFPA, 2020) Girls from infancy to adulthood are at risk and a majority of girls are subjected to this in their childhood when they have no say in the matter. The practice is mainly concentrated in the Western, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions of Africa, and in some countries in Asia and the Middle East as well.
There are 3 main types of FGM - clitoridectomy, excision, and infibulation. Type 4 is any other harmful procedure for non-medical purposes such as pricking, incising, or scraping.
Why is FGM practiced?
Depending on ethnicity and region, there are a few reasons for the mutilation of girls:
Family Honor; to control women and their chastity. In many cultures, it is believed that in order for a woman to find a suitable husband, she must remain a virgin till marriage. Genital mutilation ensures this. Furthermore, it is also believed that the mutilation of female genitals will result in pleasure for their future husbands and is another reason for its practice. Often infibulated women are cut open after marriage, and at childbirth by their husband or circumciser.
FGM is also seen as a girl’s transition into womanhood. Being the social convention in some regions, this increases pressure on the girls to follow the norm out of the fear of being rejected by the community. In some areas, FGM is universally performed, unquestioned.
Oftentimes, FGM is cloaked under the pretense of religion and practiced, even though no religious scripts prescribe it.
Aesthetic appeal is another reason. Frequently, a girl is regarded as ‘clean’ or ‘beautiful’ when the ‘ugly’ or ‘dirty’ parts of her are removed.
There are many untrue myths that promote this practice as well, such as ’FGM will enhance fertility’ or ‘promotes child survival’
“I screamed for help and tried to free myself but I was not strong. They held me down and put a cover over my mouth so I could not scream... I wanted to die.”, tells a Sudanese woman
How does FGM affect the women subjected to it?
This needs to be said repeatedly: there are NO health benefits to FGM at all, only harm. This can be ranging from psychological to physical effects.
During the assault, the victims suffer extreme pain, uncontrolled bleeding, and can also experience a state of shock due to terror. Often, additional forcible restraint is used, which can damage surrounding organs. Usually, there is no anesthetic used and oftentimes, the same blade can be used for more than one person, which increases chances of infection.
Immediate complications can include severe pain, infections, and wound healing problems. Some situations can also lead to death.
Long-term consequences include increased risk of childbirth complications, menstrual and urinary problems, the need for later surgeries, and psychological problems such as PTSD and depression.
How can you help?
Educate yourself!! Resources are available below.
Due to the taboo surrounding the issue, it isn’t widely spoken about. But the least you can do is to spread awareness on the unheard stories of these women who can suffer for years due to this extreme violation of their fundamental human rights.
Start conversations. Break the stigma surrounding the issue.
Sign petitions. A few can be found here.
External Resources
Read about FGM in Nigeria
The story of a survivor and activist
Another real-life story
Read more on the cases worldwide. Chances are, it is common in your own country too.
Orchid Project an NGO working to get FGM. Read more and donate if you can!
Plan-international: another NGO that works toward this cause and has done a lot to break the stigma
Works Cited
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