All about Female Gender Mutilation (FGM)

In a quest to build a world that is equal for both men and women, there still exist practices that deny women of their fundamental rights to health, dignity and bodily autonomy. One such practise if Female Genital Mutilation which seeks to control women’s bodies and sexuality viewing them as inferior and subordinate to men.

Female Genital Mutilation is the practice of mutilating a woman’s genitals for nonmedical reasons. It is a widely practiced procedure across many parts of Africa, The Middle East, and in some regions of Europe and North America. In India, this practice is a part of the Dawoodi Bohra community. The implications of Female Genital Mutilation (which will now be referred to as FGM) are far and wide, with the most serious issue being severe health complications. This practice has come under widespread scrutiny as it is a direct violation of human rights and is discriminatory towards females.  The need to end this practice cannot be overstated.

Classification Of FGM:

In 2005, the World Health Organisation classified FGM into four types:

1. Type 1- Partial or total removal of the clitoral hood
2. Type 2- Removal of the clitoral hood and the labia minora
3. Type 3-  Narrowing of the vaginal orifice which involves bringing together the labia minora
4. Type 4- Any other harmful procedure to the genitals which may or may not include cauterisation, incisions and piercings.

In recent times, more subclauses have been added to these four umbrella terms to more accurately define the harsh procedures performed on women.

What Is The Difference Between FGM, Cutting And Female Circumcision?

This process is widely known by 3 terms- Female Circumcision, Female Genital Mutilation and Female Genital Cutting. The usage of the term “Female Circumcision” was however discarded as the term drew parallels with male circumcision. Both procedures are wildly different practices with different health implications.

The term Female Genital Mutilation is widely used along with Female Genital Cutting. However, FGM has faced backlash as the usage of the word “mutilation” implies that the procedure is performed with ill intent, that parents performed this procedure maliciously. The term Female Genital Cutting was then popularised, but both terms are used interchangably. The UN uses the term FGM as it adequately grasps the severity of the issue while simultaneously implying the that the practise is a outright violation of womens human rights.

Why Is FGM Practised?

FGM is mainly practised under the guise of cultural traditions, the procedure find no roots in religious belief. However, some communities that practise FGM believe that it is a religious requirement.

FGM is practised to suppress a woman’s sexual desires, it is believed that FGM will reduce infidelity in a woman’s relationship and improves her marriage prospects. Some are convinced that it is necessary to maintain hygiene and also serves as a means to make a female’s genitals more aesthetic. It is also considered to be a rite of passage as a female steps into womanhood. The procedure is mainly carried out on young girls who are barely of legal age. In most cases they do not know what they are getting into and are often coerced into the practice.

 As FGM has become a socially accepted practice, many parents feel that their daughters might be ostracized in society if they do not go under the knife.

What Are The Implications Of FGM?

FGM has adverse implications on health. Women are more susceptible to infections, hemorrhaging, issues in urination and severe complications in childbirth. FGM has also been linked to an increase in newborn deaths and the prevalence of AIDS among women. Not to mention the severe psychological and mental trauma that women go through after the procedure is performed. In the case of Type 3 mutilation, women must undergo another surgery to expand the size of the vaginal opening thereby increasing the need for surgeries at a later stage in life. There simply does not exist any sort of benefit that comes from this practice. The physical, emotional, and mental pain that women must suffer seems to have absolutely zero benefits.

Why Is There A Call For Action Against FGM?

So, why is there such an outcry against this practice which is deeply rooted in culture? There exists absolutely zero benefits to the practice of FGM. The only thing that FGM leaves the child with is a life riddled with health and mental problems. It is simply a practice that aims to ____. A practice that aims to exert control over females. A practice that aims to perpetuate that a female’s sexual desire and pleasure is undesirable or wrong. Most women who are cut are told that their clitoris is dirty, a body part that must be removed for them to lead a clean life. The interesting part is that this belief is deeply rooted within communities making it difficult to be accepted if you are not cut. Being cut is the norm, and norms must be followed no matter how gruesome they may be.

The UN states that FGM is a violation of  7 human rights. Let’s break this down.

It violates the Right To Life as multiple women have lost their lives due to FGM performed in dirty and unsanitary setups. As the practice is exclusively performed on females, it violates the Right to be free from discrimination. Right to physical and mental integrity, Right to health as well as Right to not be subjected to torture or inhumane or degrading treatment are also in violation. FGM has adverse health effects that have lasting impacts on females. Apart from this the act of FGM is barbaric and is regarded as torture with long lasting impacts on an individuals mental well being. The act also impairs the ability to have pleasurable and comfortable sexual intercourse which violates the Right to private and family life. Lastly, this is practised on young, unsuspecting girls below the age of 15, violating the Rights of the child.

When it comes to FGM, both sides of the coin show a harrowing reality of dire consequences and suffering. There exists no case for backing the practise of FGM.

How Do We Put An End To This?

Aware about the ramifications of FGM, what can be done to curb this practise:

1. International laws have been instituted across countries but some like India which have communities practising FGM have not passed any laws. Having a legal framework makes it easier for those that are under the threat or know someone under the threat to seek counsel.
2. Once laws have been established it is of paramount importance to ensure that they are being enforced and perpetrators are being prosecuted.
3. Medical FGM is also an issue of concern. Practising FGM behind the four walls of a hospital does not justify the act. Laws must include FGM practised in hospitals as well.
4. Women’s shelters must be sensitized towards FGM. Awareness workshops must be held to increase awareness about the same. Clinics and family planning centers such as Planned Parenthood must also be included in the above.
5. Working with NGOs can help with grassroots implementation. It can help tackle the issue at the ground level.
6. Conduct research and collect data on FGM practises. There ceases to exist any sort of reliable data that can help quantify the current state of FGM practices.

Female Genital Mutilation is a house of cards built on cultural beliefs. It is now time to channel thoughts and ideas into real-world, quantifiable actions that can help bring an end to this terrible injustice.