Saving our Women by Ending Female Circumcision/Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that involves cutting or injuring the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM has no health benefits and can cause serious problems for girls and women, such as pain, infections, infertility, and even death. FGM is a violation of human rights and should be stopped.

In this article, we will discuss some of the facts, myths, and consequences of FGM, as well as some of the ways to prevent and treat it. We will also explore how men can play a vital role in the fight against FGM, as they can influence the social and cultural norms that perpetuate this practice.

 What is FGM and why is it done?

FGM is a term that covers four main types of procedures, each with different degrees of severity and complications:

• Type I: This is also called clitoridectomy. It involves cutting off part or all of the clitoris, which is a small, sensitive organ above the opening of the vagina.

• Type II: This is also called excision. It involves cutting off the clitoris and part or all of the labia minora, which are the inner folds of skin around the vagina.

• Type III: This is also called infibulation. It involves cutting off most of the external genitalia, including the clitoris, the labia minora, and the labia majora, which are the outer folds of skin around the vagina. The remaining skin is stitched together, leaving a small opening for urine and menstrual blood. This type of FGM can make it very difficult and painful to urinate, menstruate, have sex, and give birth.

• Type IV: This includes any other type of FGM that does not fit into the previous categories. It may involve pricking, piercing, scraping, burning, or using corrosive substances on the genital area.

FGM is usually done by traditional circumcisers, who do not have proper knowledge or equipment. FGM is often done before the age of five, but it can also be done later in life.

FGM is done for various reasons, depending on the culture, religion, or tradition of the community. Some of the common reasons are:

• To control a girl or woman's sexuality and ensure her virginity and fidelity.

• To conform to social norms and expectations of beauty and femininity.

• To mark a girl's transition to womanhood and prepare her for marriage.

• To follow a religious obligation or belief.

However, none of these reasons are valid or justified. FGM has no health benefits and causes serious harm to girls and women. FGM is a violation of human rights and should be stopped.

 What are the health risks and consequences of FGM?

FGM can affect girls and women throughout their lives, causing physical, psychological, and social problems. Some of the health risks and consequences are:

• Severe pain, bleeding, shock, and infections during and after the procedure.

• Problems with urination, menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

• Increased risk of HIV transmission, infertility, fistula, and maternal and newborn death.

• Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem.

FGM can also impair a girl or woman's sexual and reproductive health and rights, as it can reduce her sexual pleasure and satisfaction, and deprive her of her autonomy and dignity.

 What are some myths and misconceptions about FGM?

There are many myths and misconceptions about FGM that are used to justify or rationalize this harmful practice. Some of the common myths are:

• FGM is one standard procedure. In fact, there are four main types of FGM, each with different degrees of severity and complications.

• Only teenagers undergo the surgery as a rite of passage. In fact, many girls are cut before they reach puberty, some even as infants.

• Girls understand and choose to undergo the procedure. In fact, many girls are not informed or consented to FGM, and some are forced or coerced by their families or communities.

• It’s not that common — at least, not anymore. In fact, FGM is still practiced in 30 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, and affects more than 200 million girls and women alive today.

• FGM would be safer if carried out by a health care provider. In fact, there is no medical justification for FGM, and it causes harm regardless of who performs it or where it is done.

These myths and misconceptions need to be challenged and debunked, as they perpetuate the ignorance and stigma around FGM. FGM has no health benefits and causes serious harm to girls and women. FGM is a violation of human rights and should be stopped.

 How can FGM be prevented and treated?

FGM can be prevented and treated by various means, such as:

• Educating girls, women, men, and boys about the negative effects of FGM on health, rights, and dignity.

• Supporting and respecting the decisions of girls and women who refuse to undergo FGM or to subject their daughters to FGM.

• Speaking out against FGM in families, communities, and institutions, and challenging the myths and stereotypes that justify FGM.

• Advocating for the enforcement of laws and policies that prohibit FGM and protect the rights of girls and women.

• Collaborating with women's groups, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and health professionals to raise awareness and mobilize action to end FGM.

Some girls and women who have undergone FGM may also benefit from some treatments that can help improve their health and wellbeing, such as:

Deinfibulation:

This is a surgical procedure that can open up the vaginal opening and reduce some of the problems caused by Type III FGM, such as pain, infections, or difficulties with urination, menstruation, sex, and childbirth. Deinfibulation can also prevent the need for reinfibulation (re-stitching) after delivery, which can cause further harm. Deinfibulation should be done by a trained health care provider in a safe and sterile environment, with the informed consent of the woman.

Clitoral reconstruction

This is a surgical procedure that can restore the appearance and function of the clitoris in women who have undergone Type I or Type II FGM. Clitoral reconstruction can help reduce pain, improve sexual pleasure, and enhance self-esteem. However, this procedure is not widely available and has limited evidence of effectiveness and safety. Clitoral reconstruction should only be done by a qualified surgeon, with the informed consent of the woman, and with proper follow-up care.

Psychological support

This is a form of counselling or therapy that can help girls and women cope with the emotional and mental effects of FGM, such as trauma, depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Psychological support can also help girls and women understand their rights, make informed decisions, and resist social pressure to undergo FGM or to subject their daughters to FGM. Psychological support should be provided by a trained and culturally sensitive professional, in a confidential and respectful manner.

 How can men get involved in the fight against FGM?

Men can play a vital role in the fight against FGM, as they can influence the social and cultural norms that perpetuate this harmful practice. Some of the ways that men can get involved are:

• Educating themselves and others about the negative effects of FGM on girls and women's health, rights, and dignity.

• Supporting and respecting the decisions of girls and women who refuse to undergo FGM or to subject their daughters to FGM.

• Speaking out against FGM in their families, communities, and institutions, and challenging the myths and stereotypes that justify FGM.

• Advocating for the enforcement of laws and policies that prohibit FGM and protect the rights of girls and women.

• Collaborating with women's groups, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and health professionals to raise awareness and mobilize action to end FGM.

Men can also help their wives or partners who have undergone FGM by:

• Being supportive, patient, and understanding of their physical and emotional needs and challenges.

• Communicating openly and honestly with them about their sexual preferences, expectations, and boundaries.

• Seeking professional help from a doctor, a counsellor, or a specialist clinic if they have health problems or psychological distress related to FGM.

• Respecting their decisions about whether or not to undergo deinfibulation, a surgical procedure that can open up the vaginal opening and reduce some of the complications of FGM.

• Educating themselves and others about the harmful effects of FGM and advocating for its abandonment.