What is FGM?

All operations requiring the removal of the external female genitalia or implying any damage to the female genital organs for non-medical purposes are classified as female genital mutilation. The procedure is widespread in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, where it is usually performed on young women at any time from when they are born until they reach puberty. It is carried out either by the elderlies of the community, birth attendants, or barbers, by using blades, knives, scissors, or glass fragments; and only in few cases by a qualified doctor. In most circumstances, women are not administered any anesthetic, which makes the procedure extremely painful and dangerous for their health. According to the World Health Organization, there are four types of female genital mutilation:

  • type 1: the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce are partially or completely removed;
  • type 2: clitoral glans, labia minora, and majora are partially or completely removed;
  • type 3, known as infibulation: the vaginal orifice is narrowed using a covering seal which is produced by repositioning and/or cutting the labia, with or without removing the clitoris;
  • type 4: includes all the other non-medical procedures that damage the female genital region such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing.

The Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A global concern report made by UNICEF estimated that, between 2004 and 2015, more than 200 million girls and women in 30 countries have undergone this practice. Although over the past years, the practice has declined on a global scale, not all countries have actually made a progress.

 

Why is FGM performed?

The main reason why FGM is performed is the gender disparity. Even though it is proven to cause harm, it is still practised because of social reasons and prejudice: families who decide not to perform FGM on their young girls are often condemned by their peers. FGM is practised to regulate women’s sexuality, increase male sexual satisfaction and ensure purity before marriage. That is why, in some communities, women have to have FGM performed to get married. Moreover, the practice is considered to improve fertility and to be part of the woman’s cultural heritage. FGM is also practised due to aesthetic reasons, as the external female genitalia are considered unpleasant.

 

 

The harmful consequences of FGM

FGM is extremely detrimental to young girls and women in many ways and has actually no health benefits at all. It destroys the genital tissue and interferes with the normal functioning of their bodies, putting women’s health at risk. Some of the immediate complications are extreme pain, swelling of the genital tissue, infections such as tetanus, problems in the urinary system, wound healing issues, and even death. FGM also implies long-term consequences such as physiological and menstrual issues, problems during intercourse, complications during childbirth, and psychological impact including PTSD, poor self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

 

What can be done to stop this dangerous practice?

Everyone should understand that, as FGM is typically performed against one’s will and without permission, it is a violation of women’s rights. It is vital to raise awareness on the topic among the communities where FGM is still performed. Adults play a fundamental role and they must understand and acknowledge that this tradition causes irreversible damages to way too many young girls and women. In addition, women should be able to access education and be entitled to make their own decisions regarding their bodies, without feeling criticized and left out.

A great example of bravery is given by Waris Darie, born in 1965 in the area of Gallacaio in the Somali Desert. She underwent FGM when she was only 5 years old. She got away from a forced marriage when she was 13 and arrived in London after a daring escape. Then, she moved to New York where she became one of the first African supermodels and was featured on many front pages. After writing about her experience in her book “Desert Flower”, she became an activist against FGM. She founded the Desert Flower Foundation which aims to raise awareness, protect girls in Africa from FGM and strive to assist the victims in gaining a quality life and self-confidence back.

Defending women’s rights is in the interest of everyone and this dangerous practise must be abolished.