Female genital mutilation

This paper discusses the phenomenon of female genital mutilation (FGM), which is a form of gender-based violence and an extreme form of discrimination against women. FGM affects over 200 million women around the world, and it is practiced in many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The practice involves partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, such as cultural beliefs, religious customs, and social pressure.

The effects of FGM are far reaching and extremely detrimental to the health and wellbeing of women who undergo this procedure. It can lead to severe pain during intercourse, increased risk for infection, difficulty urinating and defecating, psychological trauma caused by physical violation, infertility due to tissue damage, complications during childbirth, and even death.

Fortunately, there are organizations working to end FGM, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These groups focus on addressing social determinants of health, providing education about the harms of FGM, and integrating gender equality in all aspects of society. Governments must also take action by implementing laws prohibiting this practice, offering medical treatment for victims, and developing awareness campaigns that promote respect for girls’ rights to bodily autonomy.

Ultimately, female genital mutilation is an issue that requires urgent global attention in order to bring an end to this human rights violation. By advocating for increased recognition and support from governments, international organizations, and civil society groups around the world, we can work together to ensure that all women and girls have access to safe health care and are able to make informed decisions about their own bodies.