FGM is the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It’s also known as female circumcision or cutting. FGM is often performed by someone with no medical training who uses instruments such as a knife, scalpel, scissors, glass or razor blade. Children are rarely given anaesthetic or antiseptic treatment and are often forcibly restrained.
FGM is currently documented in 92 countries around the world through nationally representative data, indirect estimates (usually in countries where FGM is mainly practiced by diaspora communities), small-scale studies, or anecdotal evidence and media reports. This highlights the global nature of this harmful practice and the need for a global and comprehensive response in order to eliminate it.
In Africa, FGM is known to be practiced among certain communities in 33 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe Certain ethnic groups in Asian countries practice FGM, including in communities in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
In the Middle East, the practice occurs in Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, as well as in Iraq, Iran, Jordan and the State of Palestine.
In Eastern Europe, recent info shows that certain communities are practicing FGM in Georgia and the Russian Federation.
In South America, certain communities are known to practice FGM in Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.
And in many western countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and various European countries, FGM is practiced among diaspora populations from areas where the practice is common.
In every society in which it is practiced, female genital mutilation is a manifestation of deeply entrenched gender inequality. Where it is widely practiced, FGM is supported by both men and women, usually without question, and anyone that does not follow the norm may face condemnation, harassment and ostracism. It may be difficult for families to abandon the practice without support from the wider community.
The reasons given for practicing FGM fall generally into five categories:
Psychosexual reasons:
FGM is carried out as a way to control women’s sexuality, which is sometimes said to be insatiable if parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are not removed. It is thought to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity afterward, and to increase male sexual pleasure.
Sociological and cultural reasons:
FGM is seen as part of a girl’s initiation into womanhood and as an intrinsic part of a community’s cultural heritage. 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.
Hygiene and aesthetic reasons:
In some communities, the external female genitalia are considered dirty and ugly and are removed, ostensibly to promote hygiene and aesthetic appeal.
Religious reasons:
Although FGM is not endorsed by either Islam or by Christianity, supposed religious doctrine is often used to justify the practice, even though it is not found in any of the Holy or religious books.
Socio-economic factors:
In many communities, FGM is a prerequisite for marriage. Where women are largely dependent on men, economic necessity can be a major driver of the procedure. FGM sometimes is a prerequisite for the right to inherit. It may also be a major income source for practitioners.
National FGM Centre – Traditional Terms for Female Genital Mutilation – FGM Terminology for Website.pages (nationalfgmcentre.org.uk)
Clitoridectomy – removing part or all of the clitoris.
Excision – removing part or all of the clitoris and cutting the inner and/or outer labia.
Infibulation – narrowing the vaginal opening.
Other harmful procedures to the female genitals including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning.
Furthermore, there are an estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing FGM every year.
Communities at particular risk of FGM in the UK originate from include but not exclusive:
In every society in which it is practiced, female genital mutilation is a manifestation of deeply entrenched gender inequality. Where it is widely practiced, FGM is supported by both men and women, usually without question, and anyone that does not follow the norm may face condemnation, harassment and ostracism. It may be difficult for families to abandon the practice without support from the wider community.
The reasons given for practicing FGM fall generally into five categories:
Psychosexual reasons:
FGM is carried out as a way to control women’s sexuality, which is sometimes said to be insatiable if parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are not removed. It is thought to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity afterward, and to increase male sexual pleasure.
Sociological and cultural reasons:
FGM is seen as part of a girl’s initiation into womanhood and as an intrinsic part of a community’s cultural heritage. 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.
Hygiene and aesthetic reasons:
In some communities, the external female genitalia are considered dirty and ugly and are removed, ostensibly to promote hygiene and aesthetic appeal.
Religious reasons:
Although FGM is not endorsed by either Islam or by Christianity, supposed religious doctrine is often used to justify the practice, even though it is not found in any of the Holy or religious books.
Socio-economic factors:
In many communities, FGM is a prerequisite for marriage. Where women are largely dependent on men, economic necessity can be a major driver of the procedure. FGM sometimes is a prerequisite for the right to inherit. It may also be a major income source for practitioners.
National FGM Centre – Traditional Terms for Female Genital Mutilation – FGM Terminology for Website.pages (nationalfgmcentre.org.uk)
The offence of FGM can result in up to 14 years in prison!
Latest UK Conviction – Woman convicted of taking British girl, three, for female genital mutilation in Kenya | Female genital mutilation (FGM) | The Guardian
See CPS link for further information on FGM and the law Female Genital Mutilation | The Crown Prosecution Service (cps.gov.uk)
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