Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is recognised internationally as a gross violation of human rights of girls and women. 3 million girls are subjected to genital mutilation every year. This means that over 8,000 girls are subjected to this dangerous and potentially life-threatening procedure every day.
What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or any practice which purposely alters or injures the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Why is it performed?
The origins of FGM are largely unknown, but the practice predates contemporary world religions. Local and cultural factors and traditions are likely to be the main reasons for the development and continuation of the practice over time.
Some of the reasons for the practice of FGM include;
- Sexuality - preservation of virginity until marriage.
- Marriageability - undergoing FGM improves chances of marriage in some societies.
- Economics - FGM is an income-generating activity for the women who perform it.
- Tradition - preserving and continuing a set of values and rituals in a community.
- Rite of passage from girlhood into womanhood.
- Religion - even though no religion includes FGM as a requirement.
- Cultural aesthetic reasons - in some communities normal female genitals are considered ugly, unclean and unattractive unless they are subjected to FGM.
- Myths and beliefs - some communities believe that the clitoris contains powers strong enough to cause harm to a man’s penis or damage a baby during childbirth.
Where does FGM happen?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that between 100 to 140 million women and girls have undergone FGM. Most of these women and girls are resident in 1 of 28 countries, almost all in Africa, although there are reported cases of FGM in some countries in the Middle East and Asia.