The World Health Organization defines female genital mutilation (FGM) as “all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” It’s a significant problem that affects an estimated 200 million girls worldwide.
Complications from the procedure are serious. So serious, in fact, that they can even result in death. But even if the victim doesn’t die, she is still at risk for developing infections and urinary issues. That’s not to mention the lifelong trauma she’s likely to suffer from due to the excruciating amount of pain (these procedures are seldom performed under anesthesia).
Keep in mind that these procedures offer zero health-related benefits. They are only performed due to cultural beliefs surrounding female sexuality.
One of the pervading beliefs is that removing a woman’s clitoris will lower her libido, thus discouraging her from engaging in sexual acts. Another popular belief is that FGM increases a woman’s marriageability. Some cultures even believe that FGM should be practiced for religious reasons, despite the fact that it is not mentioned in any religious texts.
Girls aged 0-15 are considered most at-risk, even though older girls can be forced into undergoing the procedure as well. A lot of victims are as young as 8-days-old.
Fortunately, there are numerous organizations that are working hard to combat this problem. Top organization include: FORWARD, 28 Too Many, and Equality Now. Activists are working ‘round-the-clock to dismantle the practice by educating women and men about the risks of female circumcision. Even medical doctors are finally taking a stance by letting the public know that FGM does not offer any health-related benefits.
Slowly but surely, these anti-FGM campaigns are working. Mary Wandia, Manager of Equality Now’s End Female Genital Mutilation Programme, says that, “Evidence in several countries shows that many men and women believe the practice should end, suggesting a promising window of opportunity for change.”
But this type of change would never be possible without the generous donations of concerned citizens, so please donate today.