Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched practice that has left an indelible mark on the lives of more than 200 million girls and women across 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This practice, carried out mostly on young girls between infancy and adolescence, involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other forms of injury for non-medical reasons. Beyond its immediate physical implications, FGM is a violation of human rights, perpetuating gender inequality and reflecting deep-rooted social norms that require urgent attention and action.
The prevalence of FGM is alarming, affecting over 200 million girls and women globally. The countries where this practice is predominant are spread across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, encompassing 30 nations. The impact of FGM is not confined to specific regions; rather, it reverberates globally, demanding a concerted effort to eradicate this harmful practice.
FGM primarily targets young girls, often subjected to this practice between infancy and adolescence. This cruel initiation into womanhood has lasting physical, emotional, and psychological consequences that extend into adulthood.
The aftermath of FGM imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems, estimated at a staggering $1.4 billion annually. This financial toll is only one aspect; the human cost, in terms of pain, suffering, and loss, is immeasurable.
Understanding the various types of FGM is crucial for recognizing the gravity of the procedure and its implications on the health and well-being of affected individuals.
Type 1:
Involves the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood.
Type 2:
Encompasses the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora.
Type 3 (Infibulation):
Represents the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. This involves cutting, repositioning of labia minora/majora, and sometimes stitching.
Type 4:
Encompasses all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing the genital area.
The immediate aftermath of FGM is marked by severe pain, excessive bleeding, genital tissue swelling, infections (including tetanus), urinary problems, wound healing issues, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, and, in extreme cases, death.
The enduring consequences of FGM are far-reaching, affecting various aspects of a woman's life. These include urinary problems, vaginal issues, menstrual problems, scar tissue and keloids, sexual problems, increased risk of childbirth complications, and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem.
The international community has unequivocally recognized FGM as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. This acknowledgment positions FGM as not just a health issue but a profound violation of basic human rights.
In some instances, health care providers contribute to the perpetuation of FGM due to the belief that medicalized procedures are safer. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly condemns health care providers engaging in FGM and actively supports measures against medicalization.
Understanding the sociocultural factors behind FGM is essential for developing effective strategies to combat this deeply rooted practice.
FGM is often driven by social norms, where individuals feel compelled to conform to practices deeply ingrained in their communities. The fear of social rejection and the need for societal acceptance contribute to the perpetuation of this harmful practice.
While some falsely attribute religious support to FGM, no religious scripts prescribe or endorse this practice. Religious leaders' positions vary, with some contributing to FGM abandonment.
In 2008, the World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA61.16, emphasizing the need for concerted action across sectors to eliminate FGM. This highlighted the imperative for collaborative efforts in health, education, finance, justice, and women's affairs.
WHO champions a comprehensive health sector response to FGM prevention and care. The organization develops guidance and resources for health workers to prevent FGM and manage its complications, supporting countries in adapting and implementing these resources.
Collaborating with partner organizations, WHO has developed a global strategy against FGM medicalization. This strategy aims to curb the involvement of health care providers in FGM and supports countries in implementing measures to end the medicalization of this harmful practice.
FGM is not merely a health issue; it is a complex problem deeply intertwined with sociocultural norms, gender inequality, and human rights violations. Eradicating FGM requires a multifaceted approach involving education, advocacy, legal measures, and healthcare interventions. The journey towards abandonment of this harmful practice is critical for achieving gender equality, upholding the dignity and rights of every individual, and fostering a world where no girl or woman has to endure the physical and emotional scars of FGM. It is an urgent call to action, demanding global solidarity to protect the well-being of future generations.
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