Female Genital Mutilation: An Age Old Practice Which Needs to End

Female genital mutilation, of FGM, is a traditional practice that dates back to thousands of years prior to our modern day. It is said to have evolved from ancient communities that used this mutilation in order to help establish control over the sexual behaviors of women in their societies. Some types of female genital mutilation include slipping rings through the labia majora of female slaves to stop them from getting pregnant and the total removal of the outer female genitalia. As such, FGM deeply and disturbingly infringes upon women’s bodily autonomy, right to health and security, physical integrity, and in severe cases (which involve death) the right to life.

This practice is mainly supported by traditional beliefs and values, helping ensure women preserve their virginity until marriage or as a significant moment in a girl's life where she enters into womanhood. The practice has been strongly not advised by the WHO and other outlets with further research into the matter.

FGM, as expected, has serious health consequences. These include (but are not limited to) as according to the WHO: severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths.

What has been done in order to combat this? Quite a few things. Firstly, increasing conversations on the topic, especially in the communities which practice FGM. Whilst doing so, younger generations that perhaps have a more modern perspective on the discriminatory root of the practice may be able to bring a different perspective to the elderly/parents or spiritual/cultural leaders. Moreover, ensuring that- if practised- there is an adequate health sector response to the matter. This way medical professionals can provide urgent medical care and counselling for those that have experienced FGM, and as a result living with it. Adding to this, educating girls- young and old- on their rights and freedoms. This way they have the right to decide what they do wit

h their bodies. And lastly, as a collective we must continuously push to get FGM banned.