What is Female Genital Mutilation?

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the non-medical alteration of female genitalia, often for cultural or social reasons, with no health benefits. It is recognized as a violation of human rights.

Types of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM is categorized into four main types, each involving varying degrees of removal or alteration of female genital organs:

Type 1

Clitoridectomy: Partial or complete removal of the clitoris and sometimes the clitoral hood.

Type 2

Excision: Partial or complete removal of the clitoris and inner labia (vaginal lips), with or without removal of the outer labia.

Type 3

Infibulation (Pharaonic circumcision): Removal of the clitoris and inner labia, followed by the outer labia being sewn together, leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual flow.

Type 4

Unclassified: Includes various harmful practices like pricking, piercing, incising, or scraping of the genital area.

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Consequences of Female Genital Mutilation

Immediate Consequences

Extreme pain and bleeding.
Shock, trouble passing urine, infections, harm to surrounding genital tissue, and, in some cases, death.
Significant bleeding can result in haemorrhagic shock, neurogenic shock, infection, and septicaemia.

Long-Term Consequences

Chronic pain, chronic pelvic infections, cysts, abscesses, and vaginal ulcers.
Excessive scar tissue formation and infection of the reproductive system.
Diminished sexual enjoyment and psychological repercussions such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Urinary and menstrual issues, infertility, subsequent surgery, and painful sexual intercourse.

Childbirth Complications

Increased risks during childbirth, leading to tearing of scar tissue or the need for surgical intervention.
Potential reinfibulation after childbirth, causing severe scar tissue and further complications.

Impact on Newborns

Higher risk of adverse events during childbirth.
Genital cutting in mothers has a deleterious impact on newborn offspring.
An additional one to two baby deaths for every 100 deliveries due to FGM.

Why is FGM Still Practiced?

Reflects deeply entrenched gender inequality.
Considered a rite of passage or a way to ensure a girl's chastity in some cultures.
It is not sanctioned by Islam or Christianity but sometimes used to legitimize the practice.
Seen as a requirement for marriage or inheritance in some communities.
Families that do not participate risk social exclusion, making it difficult to abandon the practice.

Human Rights Perspective

Violation of basic human rights norms.
Breaches principles of equality and non-discrimination based on gender.
Violation of the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Infringes the right to the best possible health, physical integrity, and the rights of the child.
In the worst cases, it infringes on the right to life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FGM refers to the non-medical alteration of female genital organs, violating girls' and women's human rights.

FGM is rooted in cultural, social, and sometimes religious beliefs, often seen as necessary for marriage, social acceptance, and family honor.

Health risks include immediate complications like bleeding and infection, as well as long-term issues such as urinary problems, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma.

FGM is practiced in over 30 countries, primarily in Africa, parts of the Middle East, Asia, and among diaspora communities worldwide.

While some communities mistakenly attribute religious backing to FGM, no major religion mandates or endorses the practice. Religious leaders globally have denounced it.

Efforts to end FGM include awareness campaigns, legislative actions, community interventions, and educational programs globally.

Some forms of FGM can be partially reversed through surgical procedures like deinfibulation, but complete restoration is often not possible. Psychological healing is also crucial for survivors.