At least 200 million girls and women alive today have had their genitals mutilated. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately three million girls are at risk each year. At risk of suffering one of the most inhuman acts of gender-based violence in the world: female genital mutilation/cutting. This harmful practice intentionally causes injury to girls and women by removing the clitoris and labia of female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Nowadays, women and girls continue to undergo this harmful practice, which is present in more than 90 countries worldwide. In Indonesia, more than half of FGM practices occur before a girl reaches 4 months old. In Somalia, over 90 percent or more of girls, have been subjected to female genital mutilation. In England, an estimated 137,000 women and girls have undergone FGM.
The customs and traditions that perpetuate FGM vary from community to community. In many cultures, FGM is considered a rite of passage to becoming a woman. Many practitioners believe that is necessary to ensure marriage because men refuse to marry intact women. It is
sometimes said that the purpose of the practice is to control women's sexuality. For these communities, intact women are considered dishonorable prostitutes. In addition, men claimed that female genitalia is ugly and dirty and must be removed to enhance beauty and cleanliness.
While no religion specifically requires female genital mutilation, patriarchal religions create the cultural scene that allows this practice to continue. Men have strong control over social norms. In these communities, FGM is considered a required religious and cultural practice that raises women’s status in society in order to make them desirable to men. Basically, female genital cutting is performed because it gives men power over women as a group.
“Unfortunately, women's bodies have always been a battlefield. It's always about men's control over women's bodies” -- MEP Maria Noichl
Female genital mutilation is the culmination form of violence against women and girls. An extreme form of torture and discrimination, established in harmful gender norms. The continuation of FGM carries massive gender inequalities in practicing societies. FGM limits opportunities for women and girls to realize their full rights and potential.
The procedure is painful and traumatic, and there are no health benefits, only harm. All forms of cutting put at risk woman’s health. Pain, bleeding, fever, and swelling are the most common immediate consequences of the practice. Moreover, shock, hemorrhage, infections... FGM may also cause death, disability, miscarriage, problems during urination and menstruation, infertility, and risk of newborn death. Above all, FGM includes chronic and psychological suffering: pain for the rest of their lives.
Practicing female genital mutilation violates a series of human rights principles. Including the principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, the right to life, the right to freedom from torture and cruelty, and the rights of the child. Female genital cutting is a massive way of cutting rights.
Fortunately, eliminating female genital mutilation is finally in the spotlight of the international policy agenda. It is part of the United Nations' sustainable development goal 5 (achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls). The UN sustainable agenda has the target to “eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation” by 2030.