What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?
Recognised as a violation of women's human rights and a form of child abuse, FGM breaches the fundamental rights to life, liberty, security, dignity, gender equality, non-discrimination, and physical and mental integrity.
The procedure involves the partial or total removal or injury of a girl's external genitalia for non-medical reasons. Performed by traditional practitioners using crude instruments and without proper sterilization, FGM can lead to severe health consequences like pain, infection, bleeding, and psychological trauma. Efforts to combat FGM must address the cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to the persistence of this harmful practice while promoting and protecting the rights of girls and women.
What Are the Causes of FGM?
People practice FGM for various reasons, often rooted in cultural, social, and religious beliefs:
Cultural tradition: FGM is often considered a long-standing cultural practice passed down through generations, with many communities deeming it an essential rite of passage for girls.
Social pressure: In communities where FGM is prevalent, there is immense social pressure to conform to the practice. Families may fear social exclusion, ridicule, or stigma if they do not conform.
Marriageability: In some communities, FGM increases a girl's marriage prospects, as it is thought to preserve her virginity, ensure her faithfulness , and maintain her family's honour.
Religious beliefs: Some communities mistakenly associate the practice with religious teachings. Many religious leaders & scholars have spoken out against FGM.
Perceived health benefits: Some communities mistakenly believe that FGM has health benefits, such as improved hygiene and fertility.
Control over female sexuality: FGM is linked to control of female sexuality. It is seen to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity, reinforcing gender inequality and patriarchal power dynamics.
Misconceptions about female anatomy: Some communities practice FGM due to misconceptions, that parts of the female genitalia are unclean or dangerous and must be removed.
Those who practice FGM may not fully understand the harmful physical and emotional health consequences for girls.
How Does FGM affect Girls’ Human Rights?
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RIGHT TO LIFE
FGM can lead to life-threatening complications, and in some cases, death due to excessive bleeding, infection, or other complications.
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RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM TORTURE, CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT
It is a painful procedure, often performed without anesthesia, and can cause significant suffering. It amounts torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
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RIGHT TO HEALTH
FGM can cause immediate and long-term physical health complications, such as pain, infection, urinary problems, and childbirth issues. It also has negative effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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RIGHT TO SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
FGM can negatively affect a woman's sexual and reproductive health, causing pain during intercourse, reduced sexual satisfaction, & childbirth problems.
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RIGHT TO EQUALITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION
FGM discriminates against girls, perpetuating gender inequality and reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women's bodies and sexuality.
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RIGHT TO PRIVACY
FGM infringes on the right to privacy, as it interferes with a girl's private/intimate body parts without consent.
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RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM VIOLENCE
FGM is a form of gender-based violence involving physical, psychological, and emotional harm.
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RIGHT TO EDUCATION
FGM can impact a girl's access to education, as the pain and health complications caused by the procedure may cause girls to miss school or drop out entirely.
The International Legal Framework
How Can Girls Advocate to End FGM?
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Learn about FGM, its consequences, and why it is practiced. Share this knowledge with others.
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Partner with local, national, or international organizations working to end FGM. Support their efforts by volunteering, fundraising, or participating in events & campaigns.
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Create or join clubs or youth groups in schools or communities focused on raising awareness and advocating against FGM. They can organise events, engage in local advocacy efforts, and provide peer-to-peer support.
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Advocate for policy change: Write letters, attend public meetings, or use social media to coney concerns and recommendations on FGM policies to local and national policymakers. Advocate for stronger laws, enforcement, and support for survivors.
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Advocate for access to quality education and gender equality, as these can help change social norms and empower girls and women to resist FGM.
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Join or organise campaigns, workshops, or conferences that raise awareness and promote action against FGM.
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Use social media to raise awareness. Creating a broader community of advocates and supporters can amplify the impact.