International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 2023: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a horrific practice that affects millions of women and girls around the world. It is both a human rights violation and a health risk, with immediate and long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences. In recognition of the harms of FGM, the United Nations General Assembly has designated February 6th as International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation. This blog post will explore why it’s important to raise awareness around this day and what steps we can take to ultimately abolish this barbaric practice.
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between the ages of 4 and 15 years old. The procedure is usually performed by a traditional circumciser using a razor blade or scissors, without anaesthesia.
There are no medical benefits of FGM. On the contrary, it can cause severe bleeding and health problems including infection, infertility and increased risk of childbirth complications. It also has psychological consequences.
FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and violates their right to health, security and physical integrity. It is also a harmful practice that undermines gender equality.
History of Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is common.
FGM is usually carried out on girls between the ages of four and 14, although it can be performed on women of any age. It is often done without anaesthesia, using razor blades, scissors or other sharp instruments.
The health consequences of FGM include severe bleeding and infection, urinary problems, shock, infertility and an increased risk of childbirth complications. In addition to the physical effects, FGM can cause psychological trauma.
FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It has been banned in more than 30 countries worldwide, but remains legal in many others. February 6th has been designated as International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation by the United Nations.
Types of Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is typically performed on girls between the ages of four and 14, although it can be done at any age.
There are four main types of FGM:
Type 1: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (clitoridectomy).
Type 2: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (excision).
Type 3: Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora or labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris (infibulation).
Type 4: All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization.
Why is Female Genital Mutilation Performed?
There are many reasons why female genital mutilation (FGM) is performed. In some cultures, FGM is seen as a way to control women’s sexuality. It is also seen as a way to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity during marriage. Some communities believe that FGM protects girls and women from promiscuity, rape, and other sexual crimes. Other reasons for FGM include hygiene, aesthetics, and religious beliefs.
FGM is usually performed on girls between the ages of four and 14, although it can be done at any age. The procedure is typically done without anesthesia or pain relief medication, which can cause severe pain and bleeding. There are a variety of ways that FGM can be performed, depending on the culture or community in which it is taking place. The most common type of FGM is known as excision, which involves the removal of the clitoris and sometimes the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina). This type of FGM can lead to serious health complications including infection, urinary problems, cysts, infertility, and an increased risk of childbirth complications.
Although there is no medical reason to perform FGM, it continues to be practiced in many parts of the world. It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women have undergone some form of FGM. The World Health Organization (WHO) has condemned the practice as a violation of human rights and has called for it to be eliminated worldwide.
Who is at Risk for Female Genital Mutilation?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that is deeply entrenched in certain cultures and societies. It is typically performed on girls between the ages of 4 and 14, and can have serious consequences for their health and well-being. FGM is recognized as a human rights violation by the United Nations, and February 6th has been designated as the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation.
There are many factors that contribute to the continued practice of FGM. In some cases, it is seen as a way to control women’s sexuality and ensure their virginity until marriage. It may also be seen as a way to make women more “docile” and less likely to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage. In some cultures, FGM is considered a necessary part of raising a girl into a woman.
Despite the efforts of international organizations and activists, the practice of FGM persists in many parts of the world. This is due in part to the fact that it is often performed by traditional healers or midwives, outside of the formal health care system. It is also difficult to change social norms and practices that have been in place for generations.
Anyone who supports the practice of FGM, or who turns a blind eye to it, is complicit in this human rights violation. We must all work together to end this harmful practice once and for all.
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How to Prevent Female Genital Mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is the ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is practiced.
FGM is usually carried out on girls between the ages of four and 14, although it can be performed on infants as young as one month old. It is often seen as a cultural tradition, and is considered a way to prepare a girl for womanhood and marriage.
There are no health benefits associated with FGM. On the contrary, the procedure can cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, infertility and complications in childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths.
Due to these risks, FGM is illegal in many countries around the world. In addition, numerous international organizations have condemned the practice as a violation of human rights.
Despite these efforts, FGM persists in many communities due to social pressure and lack of awareness about the dangers involved. Parents who oppose FGM face ostracism from their community and even violence.
There are many ways to help prevent FGM. Education is key to raising awareness about the risks involved in the procedure. It is also important to engage with at-risk communities to change social norms around FGM.
Supporting organizations working to end FGM is another way
Conclusion
As we celebrate International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, let us remember that it is an issue that affects thousands of women and girls around the world. We must strive to protect them by raising awareness and working towards ending this harmful practice. By having a collective effort, we can help make sure that all girls are treated with respect and dignity so they can live their lives in safety without fear or violence. Let us use this day as a reminder to advocate for gender equality everywhere!
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE TO FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 6 | Monday |
| 2024 | February 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 6 | Thursday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
| 2027 | February 6 | Saturday |
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