Female genital mutilation (FGM), is a practice that involves the partial or total removal or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The various types of FGM done across countries is categorised into 4 types.

The reasons differ from place to place and countries. Some of the reasons provided are as follows — 

• To control women’s sexuality — It is done to ensure virginity before marriage, prevent promiscuity and promote fidelity afterwards.
• Sociocultural reasons — It is a form of initiation into womanhood in some communities, generational or traditional rites. It is often done to gain social recognition and acceptance. Sometimes, myths about female genitalia (e.g., that an uncut clitoris will grow to the size of a penis, or that FGM will enhance fertility or promote child survival) perpetuate the practice.
• For hygiene and beautification — Among some societies, the external female genitalia is considered unclean and unsightly. So parts of it are cut to promote hygiene and to provide aesthetic appeal.
• For religious reasons — Some people belief FGM is a religious injunction they have to follow, however, there is no evidence that suggests that FGM is a compulsory requirement by any religion.

FGM is practiced in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and due to migration it is also practiced in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. FGM is a global issue transcending cultural, religious and political boundaries. National representative data on FGM is available in 32 countries, however, the practice has been reported in 60 other countries through indirect estimates, small-scale studies, anecdotal evidence and media reports.

All forms of FGM are not safe, no matter the person doing the cutting or the environment where it is carried out. Medicalised FGM, as it is called, only gives a false sense of security, the risk of FGM cannot be averted or minimised under medical conditions.

FGM can cause severe pain, bleeding, urinary problems, cysts, infections, infertility, complications in childbirth, and even death. It exposes girls and women to life-threatening health complications, including hemorrhage, tetanus, sepsis, urine retention, sexual dysfunction, Vesico Vagina Fistula and infertility. It also causes negative psychological effects such as anxiety, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD). Watch Sandra’s Cross, a feature movie here to understand this better. 

Globally, over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. The numbers are high in about 30 countries across three continents. An estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year with majority of girls are cut before age 15. As a result of globalisation and increasing migration, the number of countries with girls and women who have undergone FGM is increasing.

FGM can be prevented if certain actions are taken if a girl at risk is noticed. Although internationally recognised as a harmful practice, FGM is not illegal in all countries. You can contact a group campaigning against FGM like us. Or you can also take out time to explain to the guardian of the girl on why it is a major medical risk and disservice to cut any girl or woman. You can also reach out to us and we can guide you through this process.