Female genital mutilation (FGM) also sometimes referred to as female circumcision refers to procedures that deliberately modifies or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, mostly religious reasons and to decrease the libido of women.
In December 2012, the United Nations general assembly unanimously voted to work for the elimination of FGM throughout the world.It reflects inequality between the sexes and is clearly violating the rights of a women- physically, mentally and sexually. FGM is generally always carried out on children aged 3-10 years and hence, is also violation of the rights of children. The practice also violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure sometimes results in death.
FGM is generally performed on young girls to mark their passage into womanhood and as a sign that they are ready to be married. In some cases, the entire female genitalia are sewed together, leaving small openings for menstrual blood to flow and for urine. This is the extreme case of FGM. FGM is performed to reduce the sexual desire or libido of a women and to stop her from masturbating; this is done to ensure that she stays virgin before her marriage and due to decrease in libido she would not engage in other sexual affairs other than her husband. In most cases, female genitalia are considered un-feminine, unclean and ugly.
There have been many campaigns where people have asked for a complete stop of FGM in many countries.
This documentary on FGM- A Ritual of Agony, shows why FGM exists
In the video below the victims of FGM, speak about their experiences on undergoing FGM and their pledge to abolish FGM.
By: Archa Dave
