FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is also known as Female Circumcision (FC).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) into four main different types.

➤ Clitoridectomy

➤ Excision

➤ Infibulation

➤ Other

➤ Clitoridectomy: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and/ or the prepuce ( the clitoral hood or fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).

➤ Excision: This is the partial or yotat removal of clitoris and the inner labia, with or without excision of the outr labia (the labia are the 'lips' that surround the vagina).

➤ Infibulation: This is the narrowing of the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner or outer labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.

➤ Other: It is all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, eg, pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterising (burning) the genital area.

There are short-term and long-term complications of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Short-term Complications of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):

➤ Severe pain.

➤ Severe bleeding.

➤ Infections.

➤ Urinary problems.

➤ Deaths.

Long-term Complications of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):

➤ Menstrual problems.

➤ Sexual problems.

➤ Increased risk of childbirth Complications.

➤ Infertility.

➤ Psychological problems.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is associated with cultural ideals of femininity and modesty, which include the notion that girls are clean and beautiful after removal of body parts that are considered unclean and unfeminine.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practice varies among ethnic groups. It is based on norms. 

There is a myth about female genitalia that uncut clitoris will grow to the size of a penis.

There is no religious scripts that prescribed the practice, practitioners often believe the practice has religious support. No religion promotes Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

World Health Organisation (WHO) is strongly against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and has advised that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) must not be institutionalized and that it should not be performed by any health professional in any setting, including hospitals or in the home setting.

The practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is harmful and must be abolished. Everyone must join the movement to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It is crude, dangerous, unhealthy and discrimination against women. Say NO  to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), save the future generations of women.

           SAY NO TO FGM!!!