FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female's genitals for non-medical reasons. FGM can cause severe physical and psychological harm, including bleeding, infection, infertility, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, shock, and death. In addition to these risks, FGM violates human rights and may be considered a violation of international law.

According to UNICEF, approximately 140 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM. This includes clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and pricking/stitching. These procedures are performed primarilyin Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

There are several types of FGM that vary from country to country. Some common examples include:

• Clitoridectomy - Removal of the clitoris
• Excision - Partial removal of the clitoris
Infibulation - Stitching together the labia minora, creating a seal around the vaginal opening

 

How Does Genital Mutilation Harmful to Health

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as any procedure involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice is often carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. There are four types of FGM that differ based on the extent of the procedure performed. Type I involves minor procedures such as pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, or cutting the clitoral hood. Type II includes excision of the clitoris and labia minora. Type III refers to infibulation, which is narrowing the vaginal opening through either suturing or stapling. Finally, type IV encompasses other harmful procedures like burning, cauterization, or scraping.

In addition to physical harm, FGM can cause emotional trauma due to the loss of sexual sensation and function. Girls who undergo this procedure may experience pain and bleeding during intercourse, difficulty achieving orgasm, and reduced self-esteem.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 140 million women alive today have undergone some form of FGM. Approximately three million girls under the age of 15 are at risk of undergoing the procedure each year.

The United States has been working towards eliminating FGM since 1997. However, the practice still persists in many parts of Africa and Asia. As of now, no country in the world has completely eradicated the practice. The U.S. Department of State estimates that about 70% of American Muslim women have experienced FGM.

Despite its prevalence, FGM continues to be practiced in the United States. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that nearly half of the women interviewed had undergone some form of FMG.

 

There are several types of FGM that vary from country to country. Some common examples include:

• Clitoridectomy - Removal of the clitoris
• Excision - Partial removal of the clitoris
Infibulation - Stitching together the labia minora, creating a seal around the vaginal opening

 

How Does Genital Mutilation Harmful to Health

Genital mutilation is a common practice in many parts of the world. In some cultures, this includes female circumcision, where the clitoris is removed. This can cause problems later in life including painful sex, urinary tract infections, and even death.

Female Genital Mutilation is an incredibly harmful and pervasive cultural practice that must be eliminated. With the help of education and activism, we can work to end this practice for good.  

 

Which Country Is Practicing Genital Mutilation

1. United States: The U.S. has been identified as the country that practices genital mutilation the most. In fact, it is estimated that out of the total number of countries where this practice occurs, about 98% of them are located here. This is due to the fact that the U.S. is considered to have a high level of immigration from these other countries.

 2. Somalia is a country that has practiced genital mutilation since the beginning. Due to the civil war that has gone on between different factions, there isn't any accurate data on how many women have been subjected to this procedure. However, we do know that it is not uncommonly seen in Somali culture.

3. Djibouti has been known to perform female circumcision (FGM) for the past 200 years. Most of the females who live in this region are affected by FGM. They believe that if they don’t undergo this ritual, then they won’t find a husband. There are two types of FGM that occur in this country. One is “infibulation” and the other is “excision.” Both of these procedures cause severe bleeding and infection. These girls usually go through this procedure before the age of 15.

 

What Appropriate Channel to Stop Genital Mutilation

UNICEF was founded in 1946 as United Nations Children's Fund. Its mission is to provide children around the world with survival, protection, health care, education, and social services.

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO was established in 1948 by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The organization has 194 member states and aims to promote global public health through preventive medicine, immunization, maternal and child health, environmental sanitation, and control of infectious diseases.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is a group of physicians who specialize in pediatrics, the branch of medicine that deals with infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. They are based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.