Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined by WHO (World Health Organization). FGM is a traditional practices that entail injury or removal of part or all of the external genitalia of girls and women worldwide. There are 200 million women worldwide who have undergone it. The practise is found in various African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, as well as in communities outside of countries where FGM is common. In 2016, UNICEF reported that 200 million women were subjected to one or more types of FGM in 30 countries: Indonesia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Yemen, and 27 African nations.
Gender inequality, attempts to restrict women’s sexuality, and beliefs about purity, modesty, and beauty all contribute to the practise. It is mainly started and carried out by women who consider it as a source of honour and fear that if their daughters and granddaughters are not cut, they would be socially excluded. Recurrent infections, difficulties peeing and passing menstrual flow, chronic pain, the development of cysts, inability to get pregnant, issues during birthing, and deadly haemorrhage are all possible side effects depending on the surgery. There aren’t any proven health advantages.
Human rights principles and standards are violated by FGM, including the principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, the right to be free of torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment, the right to the highest attainable standard of health, the rights of children, the right to physical and mental integrity, and even the right to life. To eradicate female genital mutilation, concerted and systematic efforts are required, including entire communities and focusing on human rights, gender equality, sexual education, and the needs of women and girls who suffer from its consequences.
“Together, we can eliminate female genital mutilation by 2030. Doing so will have a positive ripple effect on the health, education and economic advancement of girls and women.”
- UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES
What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is Non-Medical Practice that removes female genital organs with a worldwide problem, done mostly between infancy at the age of 15 in any religion. FGM is a violation on ‘girls’ and ‘women’ covered under Fundamental Human Rights.
Generation and Centuries will change but this violation isn’t stop till now.
TYPES OF FGM:-
1.Clitoridectomy
The clitoris is the most sensitive erogenous zone of a women and main course of her sexual pleasure where partially or completely removed.
- Excision
It may also include the removal of the labia majora. The labia are the lips that surround the vagina. - Infibulation
The vaginal opening is narrowed and covering seal is created. The inner or outer labia are cut and respositioned. It may not include removal of clitoris.
Complications:-
Removing normal, healthy genital tissue does not provide any health benefits and undermines a women’s natural functions.
The complication includes:
• Bleeding
• Bacterial infection
• Open sores in the genital area
• Urine retention
• Severe pain, possible leading to a loss of consciousness.
Religious reasons why FGM occurs:–
Not any religion describe FGM method procedure. People in some communities, especially where the low level of literacy may have heard that the practice is religious one.
Today many countries against FGM but basically not all country follow this step, that’s why rate of FGM is also increasing in line with global population growth.
If the people with power and authority in a place believe and agree that FGM should prevail, it is difficult to prevent it.
Aishwarya Says:
I have always been against Glorifying Over Work and therefore, in the year 2021, I have decided to launch this campaign “Balancing Life”and talk about this wrong practice, that we have been following since last few years. I will be talking to and interviewing around 1 lakh people in the coming 2021 and publish their interview regarding their opinion on glamourising Over Work.
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