Female genital mutilation fgm refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. Female genital mutilationcutting in africa odukogbe. Female genital mutilation fgm is a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons, and it is internationally recognized as a human rights violation. Since fgm is almost always carried out on minors, it is also a violation of the rights of children. Fgm is an unsafe, unsterile procedure that is taking place in many foreign countries around the world including egypt, the sudan, the horn of africa. Female genital mutilation fgm, also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. Moreover, recent data reveal that it occurs on a much larger scale than previously thought. An analytical approach to female genital mutilation in. If you believe you are at risk of fgmc, know of someone at risk of fgmc, have questions about fgmc, or have undergone fgmc and need help or further. We are updating the title of this fact sheet and the way we refer to fgc by using the term female genital mutilation or cutting fgmc. Female genital mutilationcutting in af rica female genital mutilation cutting fgmc is a traditional practice in which the external female genitalia is partially or totally incised or excised for a nontherapeutic reason, usually without the consent of the individual. Partial or complete removal of the clitoris andor the prepuce.
Ethical considerations are examined, as are progress and the role of culture. Partial or total removal of the clitoris andor the prepuce clitoridectomy. Fgc, is practiced in many countries spanning parts of africa, the middle east and southeast. It occurs mainly in countries along a belt stretching from senegal in west africa to somalia in east africa and to yemen in the middle east, but it is also practised in some parts of southeast asia.
The history, the current prevalence and the approach to a patient jewel llamas april 2017 introduction female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation fgm or female genital cutting fgc, is practiced in many countries spanning parts of africa, the middle east and southeast asia. Female genital mutilation and the sexual blinding of women, the tyranny of patriarchy and the oppressive nature of gender relations in african cultures are evidenced most. What international human rights law says about female genital. Pdf download female genital mutilation in africa free.
Pdf an overview of female genital mutilation in nigeria. Were here to support you and have advice to help you keep children and young people safe from fgm. Abstract the problem of female genital mutilation fgm among some communities in kenya continues unabated despite a declining trend in its overall prevalence rate. The history, the current prevalence and the approach to a patient jewel llamas april 2017 introduction female circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation fgm or female genital cutting fgc, is practiced in many countries spanning parts of africa. The health consequences of fgm include bacterial and viral infections, obstetrical complications, and psychological problems. Mapping the lack of public initiative against female genital mutilation in denmark. Female genital mutilation cutting fgm c is a traditional practice in which the external female genitalia is partially or totally incised or excised for a nontherapeutic reason, usually without the consent of the individual. What international human rights law says about female genital mutilation international law is the set of rules and minimum standards that governs relations between states.
To readers of fran hoskens report, esther hickss infibulation. Government fact sheet on female genital mutilation or. Female genital mutilationcutting fgmc is a global concern. Fgm is when a female s genitals are deliberately altered or removed for nonmedical reasons. Who study group on female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome. Practiced in many parts of the world, fgm violates the dignity as well as the right for many girls to govern her own body. Not only is it practiced among communities in africa and the middle east, but also in immigrant communities throughout the world.
Female genital mutilation refers to the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. One in four nigerian women between the ages of 15 and 49 years has experienced fgm, making the country number three in the world following egypt and ethiopia, the. Female genital mutilation cutting fgmc is a traditional practice in which the external female genitalia is partially or totally incised or excised for a nontherapeutic reason, usually without. There is a reason why it is no longer called female circumcision and is now being referred to as female genital mutilation. Progress report an update on whos work on female genital. An analytical approach to female genital mutilation in west africa amir bahram arab ahmadi1 abstract. Female genital mutilation in different parts of the african continent is considered as one of the vast territorys social problems. However, it also takes place in the middle east, in southeast asia and also among immigrants in europe. Female genital mutilation fgm2 is the collective name given to several different traditional practices that involve the cutting of female genitals. Jun 07, 2012 female genital mutilation fgm is one of the cultural practises embedded amongst the venda community of northeast of south africa.
Female genital mutilationcutting fgmc is a human rights issue that affects girls and women worldwide. United nations childrens fund, female genital mutilationcutting. Health consequences of female genital mutilationcutting in. Pdf female genital mutilationcutting fgmc is a traditional practice in which the external female genitalia is partially or totally incised or. Female genital mutilation fgm comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for nonmedical reasons. Feminist theory and the practice of female genital. Evidence to end fgmc is led by the population council, nairobi in partnership with the africa coordinating centre for the abandonment. Health consequences of female genital mutilationcutting. Female genital mutilation in the middle east and north africa 11 fig. Female genital mutilation is recognized both internationally and locally to. The united states is committed to ending female genital mutilation or cutting fgmc. Exploration of pathways related to the decline in female. Eight weeks or less after childbirth, venda women undergo a traditional ceremony called muthuso. A case study using female genital mutilation kirsten moore, ba, kate randolph, ma, nahid toubia, md and elizabeth kirberger, jd, mph this article explores the usefulness of the human rights paradigm for dealing with the legal, political, and social ques tions raised by health issues, with particular emphasis on.
It details just one familys experience with the decadesold tradition of female genital mutilation cutting fgmc as practiced in southeastern nigeria. Female genital mutilation fgm and cutting is a subject of global interest, with many countries of the world still practicing it despite efforts by the who and other agencies to discourage the practice. There are populationbased data on fgm prevalence from all african countries in which the practice has been. Definition also called female circumcision, fgm consists of the removal of part, or all of the external genitalia of a girl or woman. Female genital mutilation cutting fgmcthe partial or complete removal of a female s external genitalia. Health impacts of female genital mutilationcutting.
Its also known as female circumcision or cutting, but has. Nearly universal in a few african countries, fgm is practiced by. Female mutilation in islamic northeastern africa, or alice walker and pratibha parmars warrior marks. The book concludes with thoughts on the movement from tradition. Fgmc is common in africa with varying prevalence in different countries. The term mutilation takes away dignity from females who have been cut by suggesting that they are mutilated or broken. Translation amharic pdf translation arabic pdf translation bahasa pdf english pdf. Female genital mutilation fgm is a harmful practice prevalent in 35 countries, mainly in africa, as well as in some middle eastern countries and a few asian countries.
May 15, 2017 female genital mutilation refers to the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. Female genital mutilation or cutting fgmc means piercing, cutting, removing, or sewing closed all or part of a girls or womans external genitals for no medical reason. Female genital mutilation unfpa united nations population. In 2012, the united nations general assembly adopted a. Female genital mutilationcutting fgmc is the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for cultural or other nontherapeutic reasons. Understanding and addressing violence against women female genital mutilation female genital mutilation1 fgm is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, reflecting deeprooted inequality between the sexes. Female circumcision fc or female genital mutilation fgm describes practices that manipulate, alter, or remove the external genital organs in young girls and women. Female genital mutilationcutting in africa odukogbe translational. Personal interviews help to expand and enrich the discussion. New estimates on child malnutrition for the indicators of stunting, wasting, severe wasting, and overweight released by unicef, who and the world bank, to describe the magnitude and patterns of malnutrition in children under 5 around the world. Female genital mutilation fgm is a term used to describe various traditional practices that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for cultural and traditional reasons in many african societies. The practice is mostly carried out by traditional circumcisers, who often play other central roles in communities, such as attending childbirths. The attention given to the issue of female genital mutilation or cutting fgmc as a harmful practice has been growing in recent years.
More than 200 million women and girls alive today have been victims of female genital mutilation fgm 1 in africa, the middle east, and asia. The practice is found in africa, asia and the middle east, and within communities from countries in which fgm is common. This brief uses the term female genital cutting because. Genital mutilation female genital mutilation female genital mutilation fgm is a customary practice affecting the health of children. This fact sheet has been updated to include the most current and commonly used terms for female genital cutting fgc.
Female genital mutilationcutting fgmc is a traditional practice in which the external female genitalia is partially or totally incised or excised for a non. While international and regional human rights instruments have recognized female genital mutilation cutting fgmc as one of the most prevalent forms of violence against women and girls, in many african states fgmc is a deeply entrenched cultural practice. An update on whos work on female genital mutilation fgm classification of female genital mutilation type i. Female genital mutilation cutting fgm c is a traditional practice with severe health consequences for girls and women. Considering avaiable literature and interviews with experts, serene analyses the psychological disorders suffered by the individual, considering their migrant cultural identity and also considers the. The psychological effects of female genital mutilation. If you believe you are at risk of fgmc, know of someone at risk of fgmc, have questions about fgmc, or have undergone fgmc and need help or further information, please contact the number below. Pdf female genital mutilationcutting in africa researchgate. Effects of female genital mutilation on childbirth in africa. Department of justice doj, office of justice programs ojp, office for victims of crime ovc is seeking applications for funding for programs to address the practice of female genital mutilation and cutting. In recent years, the procedure has been medicalized in some regions and it is carried out in health care facilities by trained health care personnel. The africa coordinating centre for the abandonment of female genital mutilation cutting accaf, with support from the population council, sought to synthesize the evidence on the health impacts of fgmc, identify recommended interventions, and compile and analyse the existing reference materials. Who collaborative prospective study in six african countries.
Female genital mutilation happens primarily in africa, in particular in northeastern, eastern and western africa. Afrika female genital mutilation in west africa landinfo 2007. Female genital mutilation fgm, or female genital cutting, also known as female circumcision, is a traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal or alteration of girls or womens genitalia. The issue of female genital mutilation, a practice encompassing a partial or complete removal of the clitoris, has been a tricky and contentious subject for. Feb 26, 2018 more than 200 million women have undergone female genital mutilation fgm with 3 million more at risk every single year. Female genital cutting centers for disease control and. The practice is also encountered in europe and north america mostly in immigrant communities from countries where the. Under international law, female genital mutilation fgm is a human rights violation, torture, and an extreme form of violence and discrimination against girls and women. The age at which female genital mutilation is carried out varies from one region to. Female genital mutilation world health organization. Nigeria, due to its large population, has the highest absolute number of female genital mutilation fgm worldwide, accounting for about onequarter of the estimated 115 million circumcised women in.
The procedure is performed using a blade or shard of glass by a religious leader, town elder, or a medical professional with limited training. Female genital mutilation has historically been confined to countries of cultural origin within the african sphere. A research blog by serene chung which investigates the psychological effects of female genital mutilation fgm within migrant communities in the united kingdom. This program furthers the departments mission by improving public safety by supporting victims of crime. Female genital mutilationnew knowledge spurs optimism more likely.
What international human rights law says about female. Female genital mutilation in south africa africlaw. Female genital mutilation fgm is a procedure performed on women in developing countries and is underreported. For those who support the continuation of the practice, fgm is considered to be a thread.
Every girl and woman has the right to be protected from this harmful practice, a manifestation of entrenched gender inequality with devastating consequences. Globally, it is estimated that some 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of fgm. Fgm is one of the harmful traditional practices that is widely practiced in at least 28 african countries, parts of. Female genital mutilation fgm the practice of disfiguring the female body and destroying sites of pleasure as mapped onto that body occur all over the world, but are most commonly practiced in areas of africa, the middle east and in. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora excision. The purpose of this research is to investigate the issue of female genital mutilation in africa, as one of the biggest social problems that is affecting the majority of women and young girls. According to estimates by the world health organisation who 200 million women are affected by fgm worldwide.
Fgm is a violation of womens rights, childrens rights, human rights. The objective of this study is to perform a first evaluation of the magnitude of the health consequences of fgmc in the gambia. Understanding and addressing violence against women. This book discusses the definition and types of fgm and explores the common justifications for the practice, along with the incidence in africa, global laws, legal issues, rights and religion.
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