February 2025

Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply harmful practice that has affected millions of girls worldwide. It involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury’s to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice is primarily carried out in certain cultural, religious, and social contexts, often under the belief that it preserves a girl’s purity, ensures marriageability, or fulfills traditional norms. However, FGM has no health benefits—instead, it causes severe physical and psychological harm. The Health and Psychological Consequences of FGM FGM is not just a cultural practice; it is a violation of human rights that poses life-threatening risks. The consequences can be immediate and long-term, affecting a girl’s health for the rest of her life. Some of the most common complications include: Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage): Many girls suffer from severe bleeding, which can lead to shock or even death. Infections: Un sanitary conditions and the use of non-sterile instruments increase the risk of life-threatening infections, including tetanus and sepsis. Difficulties during childbirth: Women who have undergone FGM often experience complications during labor and delivery, increasing the risk of maternal and infant mortality. Chronic pain and scarring: Many survivors of FGM suffer from long- term pain, difficulty urinating, and other medical complications. Psychological trauma: FGM can cause deep emotional scars, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a lifetime of distress. A Human Rights Violation That Must End FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the rights of women and girls. It denies them autonomy over their own bodies, subjects them to unnecessary pain, and reinforces gender inequality. Organizations such as the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO), and various human rights groups have condemned the practice and called for global efforts to eradicate it. Ending FGM is not just about stepping a harmful act—it is about upholding the dignity, rights, and well-being of girls and women worldwide. It is about ensuring that every girl has the freedom to grow up without fear, pain, or oppression. The Role of Families, Communities, and Leaders The fight against FGM requires the collective efforts of society. Parents, elders, religious leaders, educators, health professionals, and policymakers all play a crucial role in stopping this practice. Here’s how different groups can contribute: Parents and Guardians: Educating families about the dangers of FGM and breaking the cycle by refusing to subject their daughters to it. Community and Religious Leaders: Using their influence to challenge harmful traditions, promote awareness, and advocate for change. Healthcare Providers: Offering medical care, psychological support, and educating communities about the severe health risks associated with FGM. Governments and Lawmakers: Enforcing strict laws against FGM, ensuring protection for girls, and providing support for survivors. Educators and Schools: Teaching young girls and boys about their rights, gender equality, and the importance of ending FGM. A Future Free from FGM Girls have the right to live free from pain, oppression, and fear. They deserve access to education, healthcare, and the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. Eliminating FGM is a crucial step toward achieving gender equality and ensuring the well-being of future generations. Now is the time to speak out. Now is the time to take action. Let us work together to protect our daughters, empower our communities, and bring an end to Female Genital Mutilation once and for all. Join the Movement. Raise Awareness. Say No to FGM.