The Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting or circumcision, is a deeply rooted cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
February 6 has been designated as the World Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. To this day, FGM remains a horrific violation of human rights, affecting millions of girls and women worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of collecting and disseminating crucial data on FGM, shedding light on the prevalence, consequences, and global efforts to eradicate this harmful practice.
In this article, we will delve into the extensive information provided by the WHO to gain a comprehensive understanding of FGM. We will also explore its cultural roots, health implications, and the ongoing battle to end this practice.
FGM is a violation of the rights of girls and women, impacting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The practice is often justified by cultural, religious, or social beliefs and is prevalent in various regions across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
FGM has no health benefits and can lead to a range of short and long-term consequences, including severe pain, infections, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma.
The WHO provides valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of FGM globally. According to the latest available data, more than 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM in 31 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The prevalence varies significantly within and between countries, reflecting the influence of cultural, ethnic, and religious factors. Countries with the highest prevalence rates include Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, and Egypt. In Somalia, for instance, nearly 98% of women aged 15–49 have undergone FGM, highlighting the pervasive nature of the practice in certain regions.
The health consequences of FGM, as outlined by the WHO, are profound and extend beyond the immediate physical harm. Short-term complications include severe pain, excessive bleeding, and infections, while long-term consequences can result in reproductive, urinary, and psychological issues. The risk of complications during childbirth also increases for women who have undergone FGM, posing a threat to both the mother and the child.
The physical pain and the intense fear after FGM lead many women to avoid going to a gynecologist for medical examinations. This results in an inability to prevent and treat any further gynecological diseases.
Psychologically, FGM can lead to trauma, anxiety, and depression. The societal and cultural normalization of the practice adds another layer of emotional distress for survivors. The WHO emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare interventions to address the physical and psychological consequences of FGM.
Efforts to eliminate FGM have gained momentum over the years, with international organizations, governments, and grassroots movements working together to raise awareness and advocate for policy changes. The United Nations has declared FGM a human rights violation and various international conventions and treaties condemn the practice.
Many countries have implemented laws to criminalize FGM and provide legal protection to girls and women. However, enforcement remains a challenge in some regions where cultural norms may outweigh legal provisions. Additionally, there is a need for continued collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities to ensure the effective implementation of laws and policies aimed at eradicating FGM.
While progress has been made in the fight against FGM, numerous challenges persist. Deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and a lack of resources pose significant obstacles to eradication efforts. Moreover, the interconnectedness of FGM with broader issues such as gender inequality and social norms requires a holistic approach to address the root causes of the practice.
Looking ahead, sustained efforts are needed to build on existing progress and accelerate the pace of change. This includes continued advocacy for legal reforms, community engagement, and global collaboration. Additionally, investing in research to better understand the cultural dynamics surrounding FGM and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions is crucial for designing evidence-based strategies.
- COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges related to FGM. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and overwhelmed healthcare systems have hindered the ability of organizations and activists to conduct awareness campaigns and provide support to at-risk communities.
The severe economic impact of the pandemic also led to a considerable reduction in incomes. Consequently, there was an upsurge in cheap practices that put women's health and safety at even greater risk.
Moreover, the closure of schools during the pandemic has left many girls without the protective environment that education can provide. As a result, they may be at a higher risk of undergoing FGM during extended periods away from the watchful eyes of teachers and school administrators.
The WHO's comprehensive data on Female Genital Mutilation provides a foundation for understanding the complex nature of this harmful practice. By examining the prevalence, consequences, and global efforts to eliminate FGM, we gain insights into the progress and persistable challenges.
As the world collectively works towards ending FGM, it is crucial to recognize the importance of a multifaceted approach involving legislation, community engagement, education, healthcare interventions, and technology leverage. Only through such comprehensive efforts can we hope to eradicate FGM and ensure the well-being and dignity of girls and women globally.
https://eige.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/20182892_mh0418459eln_pdf.pdf
https://www.endfgm.eu/editor/files/2020/05/how_to_talk_about_fgm_GR.pdf
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/el/headlines/society/20200206STO72031/akrotiriasmos-ton-gunaikeion-gennitikon-organon-aities-kai-sunepeies
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/feb/10/living-in-a-womans-body-i-was-mutilated-and-i-swore-i-would-stop-this-happening-to-another-girl