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February 6 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a United Nations-designated day aimed at raising awareness about the severe consequences of this harmful practice and advocating for its global eradication. Female genital mutilation violates the rights of women and girls, adversely impacts their health and well-being, and perpetuates gender inequality. Despite decades of advocacy, an estimated 4.4million girls worldwide remain at risk of undergoing FGM annually (UNICEF, 2023). This practice, rooted in cultural, social, and religious traditions, requires collective global efforts to eliminate it by 2030, as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Understanding Female Genital Mutilation
FGM refers to the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO)categorizes FGM into four types, ranging from clitoridectomy to infibulation, each carrying significant health risks (WHO, 2022). The practice is prevalent in 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with certain diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and Australia also affected due to migration (UNFPA, 2023).
Key Statistics:
• Over 200 million women and girls alive today have undergone FGM (UNICEF, 2023).
• The majority of procedures are carried out on girls under 15 years old.
The Health and Social Consequences of FGM
FGM poses severe short-term and long-term health consequences. Immediate risks include hemorrhage, infection, and shock, while chronic issues may encompass urinary and menstrual problems, infertility, and complications during childbirth. The WHO (Female genital mutilation: Evidence brief, 2019) also emphasizes the severe psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Socially, FGM perpetuates systemic gender inequality by enforcing harmful norms that control women’s bodies and sexuality. The UNFPA notes that FGM is often performed to ensure a girl’s “marriageability,” linking it to broader issues of child marriage and lack of educational opportunities.
Global Efforts Toward Eradication
The elimination of FGM is central to the realization of SDG 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Specifically, Target 5.3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including child marriage and FGM, by 2030.
Advocacy and Policy Initiatives:
1. Legal Frameworks:
Over 50 countries have implemented laws banning FGM. For instance, Kenya’s Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act (2011) criminalizes the practice and outlines penalties for offenders.
2. Community-Based Programs:
Grassroots initiatives, particularly those involving local leaders and survivors, have proven effective in changing attitudes. Programs such as the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM have supported communities in adopting alternative rites of passage.
3. Education and Awareness:
Public education campaigns are critical in addressing misconceptions about FGM’s cultural or religious necessity. For example, outreach programs in Ethiopia have reduced FGM prevalence among adolescent girls by 25% in certain regions (WHO, 2019).
The Role of Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in identifying and supporting survivors of FGM. However, medicalization—the practice of healthcare professionals performing FGM to reduce immediate health risks—poses a significant challenge. Approximately 25% of FGM cases are performed by medical personnel, undermining eradication efforts (UNICEF, 2023).
Challenges to Eradication
Despite progress, significant obstacles remain:
1. Cultural Resistance:
Deeply entrenched cultural norms often hinder efforts to abandon FGM. Advocates must approach communities with sensitivity and inclusivity, ensuring that interventions respect cultural contexts while challenging harmful practices.
2. Lack of Data and Resources:
Many countries lack reliable data on FGM prevalence, making it difficult to allocate resources effectively.
3. Conflict and Migration:
Political instability and displacement exacerbate the vulnerability of girls to FGM, as enforcement of protective laws becomes challenging.
A Call to Action
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation serves as a global reminder of the urgency to eradicate this harmful practice. Ending FGM requires:
• Collaborative Action: Governments, NGOs, healthcare professionals, and community leaders must work together to implement sustainable solutions.
• Empowerment of Women and Girls: Education and economic empowerment are key to enabling girls to resist FGM and advocate for their rights.
• Global Advocacy: Continued efforts to raise awareness and foster international solidarity are essential.
By challenging harmful traditions and promoting gender equality, we can protect millions of girls and ensure a future free from FGM.
Source:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day
By: Touska Gholami