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Female genital mutilation
Prevention of female genital mutilation
Female genital mutilation (FGM) poses a serious health threat for women and girls. As with child marriage, childbearing before girls have reached physical and psycho-social maturity, and violence against women, it also has consequences for the health of children and families.
Many organisations used to regard FGM as a taboo subject, believing it to be too sensitive to deal with openly and publicly. In recent years, however, many non-governmental organisations and women's groups have brought FGM to the attention of major organisations, including the UN agencies. As a result, in 1997, the WHO, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF issued a joint policy statement calling for the complete eradication of this practice within three generations.
FGM, often referred to as 'female circumcision', comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons.
It continues to be performed on girls and women in many countries each year. It is estimated that between 100-140 million girls and women have experienced FGM and that at least two million girls undergo some form of mutilation every year. Most of these girls and women live in 28 African countries although some live in Asia. They are also increasingly found among the immigrant population groups in Europe, the United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
There is no quick way to put a stop to this practice, but experience has shown that education and information can have a positive impact, particularly if they focus on the negative health consequences. The fact that UN agencies involved in this issue have set a time-frame of three generations for the eradication of FGM clearly indicates that this goal is by no means an easy one.
Addressing the issue of female genital mutilation is one important way in the Red Cross Red Crescent can help a group of particularly vulnerable people. Joining forces with other organisations who are committed to eradicating FGM will reinforce the fight against this inhumane practice.
Because of their situation at the heart of communities and large numbers of volunteers, National Societies are well placed to spread the message to the target population (both men and women), religious leaders, political leaders, and traditional leaders such as chiefs and tribal elders. Importantly, the auxiliary role of National Societies puts them in a privileged situation to advocate among governments who are not yet convinced that they should lead the way in eradicating this harmful practice. National Societies can also work with traditional birth attendants and other community members who carry out the actual mutilation.
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