Female Genital Mutilation – FGM

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is internationally recognised as a fundamental human rights violation and a form of gender-based violence that primarily affects women and girls, harming their bodily integrity and bodily  autonomy.

The World Health Organization categorizes FGM into four main types: type 1 (clitoridectomy), type 2 (excision), type 3 (infibulation) and type 4 (all other procedures to the genitalia of women for non-medical purposes). 

Female genital mutilation is rooted in gender inequality and unequal power relations between women and men. It reflects deeply entrenched discrimination against girls and women and is used as a means of controlling women’s and girls’ bodies and sexuality. This human right violation is not required by any religion and has no health benefits. Instead, it can result in severe and lifelong physical, sexual, reproductive and psychological consequences, and may even lead to death. Like many forms of gender-based violence, FGM is an expression of patriarchal oppression. Symbolically, female genital mutilation means that individuals, simply because they are born female, are robbed of control over their own bodies.

30 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM. About 600,000 women and girls are living with the consequences of female genital mutilation in Europe. This form of violence has been reported in at least 94 countries and on every continent except Antarctica.

Prevalence varies significantly between regions, including within countries. Ethnic group and region of origin are determining factors.

The continued existence of female genital mutilation on all continents means that we still live in a world that does not uphold the rights of women and girls.