Written by Amie Kherame Ndong, Knowledge Expert and Knowledge Activation Grants Lead at Share-Net International and SRHR Advisor at KIT
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched practice that affects millions of women and girls worldwide, posing severe health risks and violating fundamental human rights. Despite global efforts to eliminate it, progress remains uneven, underscoring the need for urgent, collective action.
FGM refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is typically performed on girls between infancy and adolescence and is rooted in cultural, religious, or social traditions aimed at controlling female sexuality or ensuring societal acceptance. However, these practices come at an enormous cost.
The immediate health consequences of FGM include excessive bleeding, infections, and even death. Long-term effects can range from chronic pain, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma to reduced sexual satisfaction. These outcomes not only harm individual women but also burden healthcare systems and hinder community development. (WHO, 2024)
The practice persists across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, as well as within immigrant communities in Western countries. While it is often justified by tradition, the growing recognition of FGM as a human rights violation has fueled a global movement against it. Laws banning FGM exist in many countries, but enforcement is often weak, and cultural norms continue to perpetuate the practice. (UNICEF, 2024).
Ending FGM requires a multi-pronged approach. Education and community engagement are critical to changing attitudes and dispelling myths about the practice. Survivors must be supported to amplify their voices, and healthcare providers need to be trained to manage FGM-related complications sensitively. Governments and international organizations must prioritize funding for prevention programs and ensure that laws against FGM are enforced. (UNFPA, 2024).
Progress is possible. Countries like Kenya and Senegal have made significant strides in reducing FGM rates by combining legal measures with community education and support for alternative rites of passage. (EqualityNow, 2023). These success stories demonstrate that change is achievable when efforts are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and well-coordinated.
The fight against FGM is not just about protecting women’s health; it is a battle for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. By uniting efforts across sectors and societies, we can create a future where no girl is subjected to this harmful practice, a future where every girl can thrive in safety and dignity.
References
(EqualityNow. (2023). Retrieved from Equality Now: https://equalitynow.org/africa/
UNFPA. (2024, March). Female genital mutilation (FGM) frequently asked questions. Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/resources/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-frequently-asked-questions
UNICEF. (2024, March 7). Female Genital Mutilation: A global concern. Retrieved from UNICEF Data: Monitoring the situation of children and women: ttps://data.unicef.org/resources/female-genital-mutilation-a-global-concern-2024/
WHO. (2024, February 5). WHO. Retrieved from WHO: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
