Every year, millions of young girls across the world are subjected to a practice that strips them of their dignity, causes unbearable pain, and leaves permanent scars both physical and psychological. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that violates fundamental human rights, yet it continues in many parts of the world.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, observed on February 6, serves as a global call to action. It aims to eradicate this brutal tradition and highlight the severe health risks and emotional trauma it inflicts on women and girls. The fight against FGM is not just about ending a harmful ritual, it is about empowering women, protecting their rights, and ensuring they have control over their bodies.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?
Female Genital Mutilation involves the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is typically performed on girls between infancy and 15 years of age, often without anaesthesia, using crude instruments such as blades, razors, or broken glass.

FGM is not a medical necessity. Instead, it is driven by deeply entrenched cultural, religious, and societal beliefs that claim to uphold purity, control female sexuality, and prepare girls for marriage. However, these justifications fail to acknowledge the severe harm inflicted upon the victims.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM across 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Despite being recognized as a human rights violation, it continues due to social pressures, lack of awareness, and deeply rooted traditions.

Countries with the Highest FGM Rates

•    Somalia – Over 90% of women have undergone FGM.
•    Guinea – Nearly 97% of women are affected.
•    Egypt, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone – High prevalence rates despite legal bans.
•    Indonesia, India, and Malaysia – Silent but persistent cases in specific communities.

FGM is not limited to developing nations; migrant communities in Western countries also continue this practice, often sending girls abroad for the procedure in what is known as “vacation cutting.”

FGM is classified into four major types, each causing varying degrees of harm:

1.    Clitoridectomy – Partial or total removal of the clitoris.

2.    Excision – Removal of the clitoris and the labia minora.

3.    Infibulation – Narrowing the vaginal opening by cutting and repositioning the labia, sometimes sewing it shut.

4.    Other Harmful Procedures – Includes pricking, piercing, burning, or scraping genital tissues.

Regardless of the type, all forms of FGM are dangerous and can have lifelong consequences.

FGM has no medical benefits only devastating health effects. The consequences can be immediate and long-term, affecting both the body and mind.

Immediate Effects:

•    Severe pain and excessive bleeding
•    Infections and sepsis due to unsterilized instruments
•    Shock from pain and blood loss
•    Death in extreme cases

Long-Term Health Consequences:

•    Chronic pain and urinary problems
•    Menstrual difficulties and painful periods
•    Complications during childbirth leading to higher maternal and infant mortality
•    Sexual dysfunction and psychological trauma
•    Increased risk of HIV/AIDS due to shared cutting instruments

Beyond the physical suffering, FGM leaves deep emotional scars. Many survivors experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicidal thoughts.

Why Does FGM Continue?
Despite international condemnation, FGM persists due to deeply ingrained cultural norms, myths, and social pressures.

Key Reasons FGM Continues

1.    Tradition & Cultural Identity – Many communities see FGM as an essential rite of passage into womanhood.
2.    Marriageability & Social Acceptance – In many societies, girls who do not undergo FGM are considered “unclean” and unfit for marriage.
3.    Religious Misinterpretations – Some falsely associate FGM with religious beliefs, although no major religion mandates it.
4.    Gender Control & Patriarchy – FGM is used as a way to control female sexuality, ensuring “chastity” before marriage.
5.    Lack of Awareness & Education – Many communities are unaware of the dangers and legal implications of FGM.

Governments, human rights organizations, and activists worldwide are pushing for stronger laws and community engagement to eliminate FGM.

•    Legal Bans & Criminalization
•    More than 40 countries have laws criminalizing FGM.
•    In some nations, offenders face heavy fines and imprisonment.
•    Cross-border cutting is being monitored to prevent girls from being taken abroad for the procedure.

Grassroots organizations are working with local communities to change mindsets and offer alternative rites of passage.

•    School-based programs teach young girls about their rights.
•    Medical & Psychological Support
•    Survivor rehabilitation programs help women recover from trauma.
•    Specialized medical care assists in reconstructive surgery for FGM victims.

While FGM is often associated with African nations, it is also practiced in India, particularly among the Dawoodi Bohra community. Although many survivors have spoken out, legal action remains limited. In 2017, survivors launched a campaign called “WeSpeakOut”, urging the Indian government to ban the practice. However, a clear legal framework is still lacking.

The Indian government must take decisive action, implement strict laws, and raise awareness to protect girls from this silent abuse.

Ending FGM requires the involvement of men, religious leaders, and entire communities. Since the practice is rooted in patriarchal structures, men must challenge harmful traditions and support women’s rights.

How Men Can Help:

Reject FGM as a marriage prerequisite.
Support women who refuse to undergo FGM.
Educate themselves & others about the dangers of FGM.

The United Nations aims to eliminate FGM by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). But this will only happen if governments, communities, and individuals take action.

Female Genital Mutilation is one of the gravest violations of human rights. It is a global crisis that demands urgent attention. Every girl deserves to live without pain, fear, or oppression.

On International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, let’s break the silence and stand together to end this barbaric practice. The fight against FGM is not just for women it is for humanity.

It’s time to say NO to FGM.
It’s time to protect our daughters.
It’s time to end this cruelty, once and for all