Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the partial or total removal of a girl’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It causes lifelong physical and psychological harm, with no health benefits. FGM affects millions of girls and women worldwide, often performed between infancy and age 15.

Why is FGM preformed?

FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) is a devastating practice rooted in cultural, social, and sometimes misinterpreted religious beliefs, with no medical benefits. In many societies, it is seen as a brutal rite of passage into womanhood or a requirement for marriage, designed to control women’s bodies and preserve family honor. Some claim it ensures cleanliness or purity, but these ideas are unsupported by any scientific evidence. This harmful procedure is perpetuated by deep-seated cultural norms and intense social pressure, where girls are often subjected to it or risk being ostracized. Despite these misguided justifications, FGM leaves behind lasting physical and psychological scars, and it is globally condemned by health organizations and human rights groups as a profound violation of women’s rights.

Global Prevalence:

FGM is mainly practiced in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

  • In Somalia, nearly 98% of women have undergone FGM.

  • In Guinea, the prevalence rate is about 96%.

  • In Indonesia, estimates vary but can reach as high as 100% among girls and women.

Age Range of Girls Affected by FGM Worldwide

Types of FGM:

  1. Type I: Removal of the clitoris and/or the clitoral hood (clitoridectomy).

  2. Type II: Removal of the clitoris along with part or all of the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision).

  3. Type III: Narrowing of the vaginal opening by stitching or cutting the labia minora or majora (infibulation).

  4. Type IV: Any other harmful procedures to the female genitalia such as piercing, pricking, or scraping for non-medical reasons.

Symptoms & Effects of FGM

Immediate Symptoms:

  • Severe pain in the genital area.

  • Excessive bleeding and possible shock.

  • Infections in the genital area.

  • Difficulty urinating or painful urination.

  • Swelling and inflammation around the genital area.

Long-Term Symptoms:

  • Chronic genital pain, especially during menstruation or intercourse.

  • Scarring and restricted genital function.

  • Complications during childbirth, such as prolonged labor or hemorrhage.

  • Psychological effects such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • Sexual dysfunction due to pain and discomfort.