Female Genital Mutilation What is FGM Female genital

Female Genital Mutilation What is FGM? “Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons” (World Health Organization, 2013) Where is FGM happening? Why is FGM a global issue? • FGM is most prevalent in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa. It is most common in Somalia, where virtually all young girls undergo the procedure, often in the most harmful form. • FGM also takes place in some countries in the Middle East and Asia. • The practice of FGM perpetuates a patriarchal system. Countries that have higher rates of FGM are most often lacking in women’s rights. • Women and young girls who have been victimized by FGM may migrate to other countries and need to receive proper medical care and supportive services. • In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly accepted a resolution on the elimination of FGM affects between 130 and 140 million women worldwide, with another 2 to 3 million being added each year. Four Types of FGM Type I: Clitoridectomy Partial or total removal of the clitoris Type II: Excision Partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora Type III: Infibulation Most radical form; partial or total removal of the external genitalia and sealing of the vaginal opening Type IV: Other All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes (e. g. piercing, pricking, scraping, etc. ) Cultural Support for FGM • Social pressure to conform • Considered a necessary part of raising a girl • Premarital virginity • Marital fidelity • Ideals of femininity and modesty • Local structures of power and authority • Cultural tradition Consequences of FGM Physical • Heavy bleeding • Urine retention • Infections • Chronic anemia • Infertility • Higher risk of HIV/AIDS • Higher risk of childbirth complications and newborn death Social/Mental • Feelings of fear, inferiority and suppression • Nightmares • Higher risk of psychiatric diseases • Loss of sexual desire • Lack of confidence in those close to them Global Response to FGM • Countries are enforcing laws against FGM • 24 African countries • 12 industrialized countries with migrant populations from FGM practicing countries • Uganda, as an example, has been a leader in the abolishment of FGM • The Uganda Constitutional Committee supported the importance of human rights over the right to cultural practices • The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act was enacted in 2009 • Conducted consultative tours and met with various community members in areas that still practiced FGM • Opening of nonprofit organizations to support those who have been victimized • Other intervention methods have included: education, engaging community members in local campaigns, empowering women, and facilitating dialogue through the media (music, theater, films) “Female genital mutilation should not be addressed in terms of being a single act isolated to certain parts of the world but as a global issue of human rights, freedom from violence, and economic equality” (Monogan, 2010)