Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) And Global Efforts - Wellness Insights Essential Health Tips for a Better Life

Q: Q1. What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Answer: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It is often performed on young girls between infancy and adolescence, but adult women may also undergo the procedure under cultural or familial pressure. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Female genital mutilation into four types: Type I (Clitoridectomy): Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce. Type II (Excision): Removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without the removal of the labia majora. Type III (Infibulation): The narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and repositioning the labia, sometimes sewn shut, often accompanied by the removal of the clitoris. Type IV: Any other harmful procedure to the female genitalia, such as pricking, piercing, scraping, or cauterization. FGM has no health benefits and often causes severe pain, bleeding, infections, long-term complications in childbirth, sexual dysfunction, and psychological trauma. It is widely recognized as a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.

Q: Q2. Why is FGM practiced despite its harmful effects?

Answer: Female genital mutilation persists due to deeply embedded social, cultural, and, in some cases, religious beliefs. These include: Rite of passage: In many communities, FGM is a traditional ceremony marking a girl’s transition into womanhood. Marriageability: Girls who are not cut may be considered impure or unmarriageable, pushing families to conform to societal expectations. Virginity and fidelity: FGM is believed to control a woman’s sexuality by reducing sexual desire, thus preserving virginity before marriage and fidelity after. Cultural identity: It may be perceived as a symbol of ethnic or cultural belonging. Religious misconceptions: Some practitioners falsely believe FGM is a religious obligation, though no major religious texts endorse or require it. Due to intense social pressure and fear of exclusion, many families feel obligated to continue the practice—even when they privately oppose it. This cycle of silence and social conformity contributes significantly to FGM’s persistence.

Q: Q3. Where is FGM most commonly practiced?

Answer: Female genital mutilation is most prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia , but due to global migration, it now affects communities worldwide. Countries with high prevalence include: Somalia (≈99%) Guinea (≈97%) Djibouti, Egypt, Mali, Sudan (over 80%) Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Chad, Gambia, Eritrea (significant prevalence) It also occurs in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of India , and within immigrant communities in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand . Migration has introduced FGM to countries where it is not traditionally practiced, leading to hidden, underground practices and creating challenges for law enforcement and healthcare systems.

Q: Q4. What are the health consequences of FGM?

Answer: Female genital mutilation has both immediate and long-term health consequences. Immediate effects include: Severe pain and bleeding Swelling of genital tissue Shock and trauma Infection (including tetanus and sepsis) Difficulty urinating Risk of death from bleeding or infection Long-term complications include: Chronic pain Recurrent urinary and vaginal infections Cysts and abscesses Painful menstruation and intercourse Infertility Complications during childbirth, including risk of stillbirth The need for surgical reversal in cases of infibulation Psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts Many survivors live with the consequences for life and often have no access to physical or psychological support services.

Q: Q5. Is FGM a religious requirement in any faith?

Answer: No. FGM is not a requirement in any major religion, including Islam, Christianity, or Judaism . However, many people falsely associate FGM with religious obligations due to traditional beliefs passed through generations. Islam: The Qur’an does not mention FGM. Leading Islamic scholars and institutions, such as Al-Azhar University in Egypt, have publicly condemned it. Christianity: The Bible does not advocate or reference FGM, and most Christian denominations denounce the practice. Judaism: FGM is not practiced or supported within Jewish traditions. Religious leaders are increasingly becoming allies in efforts to eradicate FGM by clarifying religious misconceptions and promoting alternative rites of passage.

Q: Q6. What are international and national laws doing to stop FGM?

Answer: FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights , and many legal instruments exist to prohibit and prevent it. Key international conventions include: Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Maputo Protocol (2003) – an African Union treaty promoting women’s rights At the national level , over 40 countries have passed laws criminalizing FGM. For example: Kenya banned FGM in 2011 and established special courts for FGM cases. Egypt has strengthened laws with increased penalties, although enforcement remains inconsistent. United Kingdom passed the FGM Act in 2003 and requires mandatory reporting. United States has federal and state laws banning FGM, including the STOP FGM Act of 2020 . However, legal bans alone are insufficient. Enforcement is often weak, and in many areas, FGM continues covertly or across borders. A holistic approach that combines legal action with education, healthcare, and community engagement is essential for real progress.

Q: Q7. What are global organizations doing to end FGM?

Answer: Many international and local organizations are actively working to eliminate FGM through education, legislation, healthcare, and community engagement . Major global players include: UNICEF and UNFPA – They jointly run the largest global program to accelerate the abandonment of FGM, focusing on 17 high-burden countries. World Health Organization (WHO) – Provides medical guidance and supports healthcare training to address and prevent FGM. Equality Now , 28 Too Many , Orchid Project , and Tostan – NGOs focused on advocacy, education, and community-based solutions. The Girl Generation – A youth-focused movement encouraging African-led campaigns against FGM. Strategies include: Public education campaigns Engaging religious and traditional leaders Training healthcare workers to handle FGM complications Providing psychosocial support to survivors Promoting Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) as cultural substitutes Supporting legislation and enforcement These efforts have led to thousands of communities publicly declaring an end to FGM and an overall decline in its prevalence in several countries.

Q: Q8. How can men and boys help in ending FGM?

Answer: Men and boys play a crucial role in the fight against FGM. In many societies, male opinions significantly influence family and community decisions, including those related to marriage and cultural practices. Men can contribute by: Publicly rejecting FGM as a condition for marriage Advocating for girls’ rights and bodily autonomy Participating in awareness campaigns Supporting laws and policies against FGM Challenging harmful gender norms When men speak out, they help shift social expectations and reduce the pressure on families to conform. Male involvement is increasingly being recognized as essential in achieving sustainable change.

Q: Q9. What can individuals do to help stop FGM globally?

Answer: Ending FGM requires collective action. As an individual, you can contribute in several impactful ways: Educate yourself and others: Share credible information in your community, schools, and workplaces. Support organizations working to end FGM through donations or volunteering. Advocate for survivors by amplifying their voices and respecting their stories. Report suspected cases to authorities or child protection services in your country. Engage policymakers to strengthen laws and provide resources for prevention and support services. Join or start awareness campaigns , especially during key observance days like International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM (February 6th) . Even small actions can ripple outward and lead to societal change. Raising awareness, starting conversations, and supporting community-led solutions are powerful tools in the global fight to end FGM.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or cutting, is a deeply entrenched cultural practice affecting millions of girls and women around the world. It involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Despite being internationally recognized as a human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence, FGM continues to persist across continents, affecting the health, dignity, and lives of women and girls.

This blog aims to provide an exhaustive look at FGM—its history, types, cultural significance, impact on women, legal frameworks, and the global efforts to eradicate it. The goal is not only to inform but to inspire further activism, awareness, and concrete steps toward ending this harmful practice.

Chapter 1: Understanding FGM – Definition and Types

What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation encompasses all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-therapeutic reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO), along with other major health and human rights bodies, classifies FGM as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

WHO Classification of Female Genital Mutilation

The WHO categorizes female genital mutilation into four main types:

Type I (Clitoridectomy): Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.
Type II (Excision): Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora.
Type III (Infibulation): Narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without the removal of the clitoris.
Type IV: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterization.

Each type varies in severity and long-term effects, but all constitute a violation of a woman’s bodily autonomy.

Chapter 2: The History and Cultural Roots of FGM

Ancient Origins

Female genital mutilation is not tied to any one religion or region. Historical records suggest it dates back over 2,000 years and has been practiced in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia for generations. Some anthropologists believe female genital mutilation pre-dates the rise of both Islam and Christianity, originating as a means to control female sexuality and ensure virginity before marriage.

Cultural and Social Underpinnings

Female genital mutilation is often upheld by powerful cultural norms and social pressures. Reasons for its persistence include:

Perceived cleanliness and beauty: In some communities, Female genital mutilation is considered a rite of passage and a necessary process for a girl to become a “clean” woman.
Marital eligibility: A girl who has not undergone Female genital mutilation may be deemed unfit for marriage.
Virginity and fidelity control: Female genital mutilation is believed to reduce a woman’s sexual desire and, therefore, ensure chastity and fidelity.
Religious justifications: Although no major religion mandates Female genital mutilation, some practitioners claim religious support for the practice.

These beliefs are often deeply ingrained and passed down through generations, making eradication particularly difficult.

Chapter 3: The Global Prevalence of FGM

Countries and Regions Affected

Female genital mutilation is practiced in over 30 countries, primarily in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, due to migration, it is now a global concern with cases emerging in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Countries with high Female genital mutilation prevalence include:

Somalia (99%)
Guinea (97%)
Djibouti (93%)
Egypt (87%)
Sudan (87%)
Mali (83%)

Impact of Migration

As people migrate, they often bring cultural traditions with them, including Female genital mutilation. This has resulted in “hidden” communities practicing FGM in countries where it is illegal. Governments across the EU, UK, Canada, and the U.S. have started developing legal and social frameworks to address this issue.

Chapter 4: The Physical and Psychological Impact of FGM

Immediate Physical Effects

The immediate consequences of FGM can be life-threatening:

Severe pain
Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
Genital tissue swelling
Infections (including tetanus and sepsis)
Urinary problems
Shock and even death

Long-Term Health Effects

Long-term complications include:

Chronic pain
Recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections
Cysts and abscesses
Infertility
Increased risk of childbirth complications
Need for later surgeries, such as deinfibulation

Psychological and Emotional Trauma

The psychological impact of FGM can be profound and lasting:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Depression and anxiety
Sexual dysfunction
Difficulties in interpersonal relationships
Emotional detachment or trauma

For many survivors, the damage is not just physical—it is a lifelong burden carried silently, often without access to counselling or support services.

Chapter 5: Legal Frameworks and International Conventions

International Laws and Declarations

Numerous international treaties condemn Female genital mutilation, including:

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
The Maputo Protocol (2003)

These instruments classify Female genital mutilation as a violation of human rights, particularly the rights to health, security, physical integrity, and freedom from torture.

National Laws

Countries across Africa and around the world have implemented laws banning FGM. However, enforcement remains inconsistent. In some countries, despite the law, FGM continues underground with minimal legal consequences.

Examples of progress:

Kenya: FGM banned in 2011 with legal prosecution of offenders.
Egypt: Law strengthened in 2016 with harsher penalties.
UK: FGM Act (2003) and mandatory reporting laws.
U.S.: Federal law criminalizing FGM, with several states enacting their own laws.

Chapter 6: Global Efforts and Strategies to End FGM

United Nations and WHO

The UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation has been pivotal, operating in over 17 African countries. They employ a human rights-based approach that includes:

Community dialogues
Legal reforms
Support for survivors
Alternative rites of passage

WHO provides technical guidance and has a comprehensive global strategy focused on strengthening the health sector’s response.

NGOs and Grassroots Organizations

Local organizations are at the forefront of FGM eradication. Notable examples include:

Equality Now
28 Too Many
Orchid Project
Tostan (Senegal)

These groups emphasize education, community empowerment, and public health outreach. Many support survivors with counseling and medical care.

Role of Education and Advocacy

Education is perhaps the most powerful tool against FGM. When girls, parents, and community leaders understand the dangers of FGM and its roots in inequality, attitudes begin to shift. Schools, health workers, and media campaigns are essential in this process.

Chapter 7: Religious and Cultural Debunking

Religious Misconceptions

Although some religious leaders support Female genital mutilation, most major religious authorities have spoken against it:

Islam: The Qur’an does not mention Female genital mutilation. Prominent Islamic scholars have declared it un-Islamic.
Christianity: No biblical basis supports FGM.
Judaism: FGM is not practiced in Jewish traditions.

In fact, many religious institutions are now allies in anti-FGM campaigns.

Culturally Sensitive Approaches

Efforts that shame or alienate communities tend to fail. Instead, successful campaigns involve:

Dialogue with elders and religious leaders
Promotion of alternative rituals that celebrate girlhood
Community pledges and public declarations of abandonment

Chapter 8: Voices of Survivors

Survivor Testimonies

Personal stories bring humanity to statistics. Survivors often describe:

“I was only seven. I remember the pain, the fear, and the feeling that something was taken from me forever.”
— Amina, Kenya

“It took me years to realize what happened wasn’t normal. I thought pain was just part of being a woman.”
— Layla, Egypt

Survivor-led activism is now one of the most powerful forces in the movement against FGM. Their courage in sharing experiences inspires empathy, policy change, and action.

Chapter 9: Male Involvement in Ending FGM

Why Men Matter

In many communities, men hold significant decision-making power. Engaging men and boys is therefore crucial. Many now speak out against Female genital mutilation, stating they do not require it for marriage and actively support women’s autonomy.

Programs that include men as advocates are seeing higher rates of FGM abandonment.

Chapter 10: The Road Ahead – Challenges and Hope

Persistent Barriers

Deep-rooted traditions
Weak enforcement of laws
Social pressure and stigmatization of uncut girls
Lack of education and healthcare access
Political instability in some regions

Emerging Solutions

Mobile technology and anonymous reporting
Youth-led campaigns and social media awareness
Medical and psychological support for survivors
Global partnerships and international pressure

A Hopeful Outlook

Progress is being made. According to UNICEF, the prevalence of Female genital mutilation among girls aged 15–19 has declined in several countries over the past decade. Thousands of communities have publicly declared abandonment of the practice.

Q1. What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

Answer:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, for non-medical reasons. It is often performed on young girls between infancy and adolescence, but adult women may also undergo the procedure under cultural or familial pressure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Female genital mutilation into four types:
Type I (Clitoridectomy): Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.
Type II (Excision): Removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without the removal of the labia majora.
Type III (Infibulation): The narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and repositioning the labia, sometimes sewn shut, often accompanied by the removal of the clitoris.
Type IV: Any other harmful procedure to the female genitalia, such as pricking, piercing, scraping, or cauterization.
FGM has no health benefits and often causes severe pain, bleeding, infections, long-term complications in childbirth, sexual dysfunction, and psychological trauma. It is widely recognized as a violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.

Q2. Why is FGM practiced despite its harmful effects?

Answer:
Female genital mutilation persists due to deeply embedded social, cultural, and, in some cases, religious beliefs. These include:
Rite of passage: In many communities, FGM is a traditional ceremony marking a girl’s transition into womanhood.
Marriageability: Girls who are not cut may be considered impure or unmarriageable, pushing families to conform to societal expectations.
Virginity and fidelity: FGM is believed to control a woman’s sexuality by reducing sexual desire, thus preserving virginity before marriage and fidelity after.
Cultural identity: It may be perceived as a symbol of ethnic or cultural belonging.
Religious misconceptions: Some practitioners falsely believe FGM is a religious obligation, though no major religious texts endorse or require it.
Due to intense social pressure and fear of exclusion, many families feel obligated to continue the practice—even when they privately oppose it. This cycle of silence and social conformity contributes significantly to FGM’s persistence.

Q3. Where is FGM most commonly practiced?

Answer:
Female genital mutilation is most prevalent in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, but due to global migration, it now affects communities worldwide.
Countries with high prevalence include:
Somalia (≈99%)
Guinea (≈97%)
Djibouti, Egypt, Mali, Sudan (over 80%)
Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Chad, Gambia, Eritrea (significant prevalence)
It also occurs in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and parts of India, and within immigrant communities in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Migration has introduced FGM to countries where it is not traditionally practiced, leading to hidden, underground practices and creating challenges for law enforcement and healthcare systems.

Q4. What are the health consequences of FGM?

Answer:
Female genital mutilation has both immediate and long-term health consequences.
Immediate effects include:
Severe pain and bleeding
Swelling of genital tissue
Shock and trauma
Infection (including tetanus and sepsis)
Difficulty urinating
Risk of death from bleeding or infection
Long-term complications include:
Chronic pain
Recurrent urinary and vaginal infections
Cysts and abscesses
Painful menstruation and intercourse
Infertility
Complications during childbirth, including risk of stillbirth
The need for surgical reversal in cases of infibulation
Psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts
Many survivors live with the consequences for life and often have no access to physical or psychological support services.

Q5. Is FGM a religious requirement in any faith?

Answer:
No. FGM is not a requirement in any major religion, including Islam, Christianity, or Judaism. However, many people falsely associate FGM with religious obligations due to traditional beliefs passed through generations.
Islam: The Qur’an does not mention FGM. Leading Islamic scholars and institutions, such as Al-Azhar University in Egypt, have publicly condemned it.
Christianity: The Bible does not advocate or reference FGM, and most Christian denominations denounce the practice.
Judaism: FGM is not practiced or supported within Jewish traditions.
Religious leaders are increasingly becoming allies in efforts to eradicate FGM by clarifying religious misconceptions and promoting alternative rites of passage.

Q6. What are international and national laws doing to stop FGM?

Answer:
FGM is internationally recognized as a violation of human rights, and many legal instruments exist to prohibit and prevent it. Key international conventions include:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
Maputo Protocol (2003) – an African Union treaty promoting women’s rights
At the national level, over 40 countries have passed laws criminalizing FGM. For example:
Kenya banned FGM in 2011 and established special courts for FGM cases.
Egypt has strengthened laws with increased penalties, although enforcement remains inconsistent.
United Kingdom passed the FGM Act in 2003 and requires mandatory reporting.
United States has federal and state laws banning FGM, including the STOP FGM Act of 2020.
However, legal bans alone are insufficient. Enforcement is often weak, and in many areas, FGM continues covertly or across borders. A holistic approach that combines legal action with education, healthcare, and community engagement is essential for real progress.

Q7. What are global organizations doing to end FGM?

Answer:
Many international and local organizations are actively working to eliminate FGM through education, legislation, healthcare, and community engagement. Major global players include:
UNICEF and UNFPA – They jointly run the largest global program to accelerate the abandonment of FGM, focusing on 17 high-burden countries.
World Health Organization (WHO) – Provides medical guidance and supports healthcare training to address and prevent FGM.
Equality Now, 28 Too Many, Orchid Project, and Tostan – NGOs focused on advocacy, education, and community-based solutions.
The Girl Generation – A youth-focused movement encouraging African-led campaigns against FGM.
Strategies include:
Public education campaigns
Engaging religious and traditional leaders
Training healthcare workers to handle FGM complications
Providing psychosocial support to survivors
Promoting Alternative Rites of Passage (ARP) as cultural substitutes
Supporting legislation and enforcement
These efforts have led to thousands of communities publicly declaring an end to FGM and an overall decline in its prevalence in several countries.

Q8. How can men and boys help in ending FGM?

Answer:
Men and boys play a crucial role in the fight against FGM. In many societies, male opinions significantly influence family and community decisions, including those related to marriage and cultural practices.
Men can contribute by:
Publicly rejecting FGM as a condition for marriage
Advocating for girls’ rights and bodily autonomy
Participating in awareness campaigns
Supporting laws and policies against FGM
Challenging harmful gender norms
When men speak out, they help shift social expectations and reduce the pressure on families to conform. Male involvement is increasingly being recognized as essential in achieving sustainable change.

Q9. What can individuals do to help stop FGM globally?

Answer:
Ending FGM requires collective action. As an individual, you can contribute in several impactful ways:
Educate yourself and others: Share credible information in your community, schools, and workplaces.
Support organizations working to end FGM through donations or volunteering.
Advocate for survivors by amplifying their voices and respecting their stories.
Report suspected cases to authorities or child protection services in your country.
Engage policymakers to strengthen laws and provide resources for prevention and support services.
Join or start awareness campaigns, especially during key observance days like International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM (February 6th).
Even small actions can ripple outward and lead to societal change. Raising awareness, starting conversations, and supporting community-led solutions are powerful tools in the global fight to end FGM.