Stop Female Genital Mutilation

Stop Female Genital Mutilation

By Amy Trumpeter

What is FGM?

FGM stands for female genital mutilation - the mutilation or 'cutting' of a females genital parts. Despite this act having a negative impact on both the psychological and physical health of the woman experiencing this trauma, 3 million women a year worldwide are at risk. It involves the full or partial removal of the female genital parts (including clitoris and labia). Sometimes the 'hole' is sewn together to leave scar tissue and makes sexual intercourse and childbirth painful, and sometimes almost impossible.

Where and Why is FGM Practiced?

It is practiced in 29 countries across Africa, as well as some parts of Asia and the Middle East. Countries where the rate is 80% or more include Egypt, Sudan and Mali. Although many people claim that FGM is a religious practice, it is more to do with culture and tradition. It can happen to a girl or woman at any age, but the most common age group to experience this is 8-15.

No religious holy text mentions FGM. The main world religions would actually oppose it as it is seen as abuse and therefore a sin. Indeed, male circumcision is practiced in Judaism and Islam. However, male circumcision only involves the removal of a small piece of useless foreskin on the penis. Male circumcision does not involve removing the entire male sexual organ - it is not harmful or painful and is not, therefore, a form of abuse.

FGM in its traditional form was actually a way to control and oppress women. The idea behind it is to deprive a woman of her sexual enjoyment so that she can be 'controlled' and do her 'work'. As there is no legitimate cultural or religious explanation for this barbaric act, it should be stopped. However, some women may still have an enjoyable sexual relationship, and those living in more economically developed countries can have corrective surgery to help to improve health of survivors.

Are women in the UK and USA at risk of FGM?

Yes, even though female genital mutilation is illegal in these countries, many women in the UK and USA are at risk. These are mainly women from immigrant families who come from a country where FGM is practiced. In some villages, it is the cultural norm. In certain situations, girls from the UK and USA are sent on 'holiday' to their homeland during 'cutting season' where the operation will be performed, often without anesthetic and putting the girl's life in danger.

What are the Health Risks of FGM? [http://www.philosophyzer.com]Female genital mutilation puts women's health and lives at risk. Women can bleed to death and also die of shock, pain or infection as a result of FGM. If a woman survives FGM, she will then suffer serious emotional and physical consequences. Many female survivors experience a lifetime of pain, flashbacks and infections. It can be difficult for a woman who has experienced FGM to fully enjoy a healthy sexual relationship. Many women who have survived may find it difficult to get pregnant. If they successfully become pregnant, childbirth may be extremely traumatic. Many women who have undergone FGM will need to be operated on during childbirth. The stress and trauma can result in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress disorder) or depression.

What can be done to Stop FGM?

It's a taboo subject. If people find it difficult to talk about female body parts, then of course, it is going to be difficult to discuss FGM. The more we can raise awareness about the issue, the more women will have the confidence to speak out about it.

Several charities are working to end this abuse including Action Aid, Plan and Comic Relief.

To help fight against FGM, tweet or share this link using #endFGM. You can also donate to one of the charities that fight against this abuse. It can result in serious emotional and physical effects. Survivors can experience flashbacks, depression and numerous health conditions. Many women who have survived FGM cannot have children.

Article Source:  Stop Female Genital Mutilation