Why Is Female Genital Mutilation a Human Rights Violation?

Female genital mutilation is a brutal and harmful practice that violates fundamental human rights; this article from WHY.EDU.VN explores the reasons behind the persistence of this act. Discover the devastating consequences, cultural factors, and global efforts to eradicate this form of gender-based violence, promoting health and well-being. Explore the ethics, legality and social impact of FGM.

1. Understanding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or cutting, comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is a deeply rooted cultural practice in many countries, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM in 30 countries where the practice is concentrated, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The procedure typically occurs between infancy and age 15. FGM is a violation of human rights due to its negative health implications, psychological trauma, and the denial of a woman’s autonomy over her body.

1.1. The Different Types of FGM

The World Health Organization classifies FGM into four main types:

1. Type 1: Clitoridectomy: This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce (clitoral hood).
2. Type 2: Excision: This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora (inner lips), with or without excision of the labia majora (outer lips).
3. Type 3: Infibulation: This is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoris.
4. Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example, pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, and cauterizing.

2. Why is Female Genital Mutilation a Violation of Human Rights?

FGM is a profound violation of human rights for several key reasons, as it infringes upon fundamental principles of bodily autonomy, health, and equality. Understanding these reasons is essential for advocating against this harmful practice and promoting the well-being of girls and women worldwide.

2.1. Infringement of Bodily Autonomy

One of the most significant reasons FGM is a human rights violation is because it infringes upon a girl’s or woman’s bodily autonomy. Bodily autonomy is the right to control one’s own body and make decisions about one’s own health and well-being without coercion or violence. FGM is typically performed on girls who are too young to give informed consent, effectively denying them the right to decide what happens to their bodies. Even when performed on older girls or women, it is often done under social pressure, making true consent impossible.

2.2. Violation of the Right to Health

FGM has numerous adverse health consequences, both immediate and long-term. The procedure can lead to severe bleeding, infection, urinary problems, and difficulties during childbirth. Long-term effects may include chronic pain, psychological trauma, and sexual dysfunction. By subjecting girls and women to these health risks, FGM violates their right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, as recognized by international human rights law.

2.3. Discrimination and Gender Inequality

FGM is a form of gender-based violence that perpetuates discrimination against girls and women. It is rooted in unequal power dynamics and aims to control female sexuality and maintain traditional gender roles. By singling out girls and women for this harmful practice, societies reinforce the idea that they are inferior and subordinate to men. This discrimination violates the principle of equality enshrined in international human rights instruments.

2.4. Infringement of the Right to Freedom from Torture

In some cases, FGM can amount to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The pain and trauma associated with the procedure, particularly when performed without anesthesia or by untrained practitioners, can be excruciating. The long-term psychological effects of FGM can also be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These effects can persist for years, impacting a woman’s quality of life and well-being.

2.5. Violation of the Rights of the Child

FGM is nearly always performed on minors, making it a violation of the rights of the child. The Convention on the Rights of the Child requires states to protect children from all forms of violence and to ensure their right to health, education, and development. By subjecting girls to FGM, communities and families fail to protect them from harm and deny them the opportunity to grow up healthy and empowered.

3. The Devastating Health Consequences of FGM

FGM has no health benefits and can lead to severe physical and psychological complications. The severity of these complications often depends on the type of FGM performed, the expertise of the person performing the procedure, and the sanitary conditions under which it is carried out.

3.1. Immediate Health Risks

The immediate health risks associated with FGM include:

• Severe Pain: The procedure is often performed without anesthesia, causing excruciating pain.
• Excessive Bleeding: FGM can result in significant blood loss, leading to shock or even death.
• Infection: Poor hygiene during the procedure can lead to infections, including tetanus and sepsis.
• Urinary Problems: Damage to the urethra can cause difficulty urinating or urinary tract infections.
• Tissue Swelling: The genital area can become swollen and inflamed.
• Wound Healing Problems: The wound may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain and scarring.
• Injury to Surrounding Tissue: Surrounding tissues, such as the bladder or rectum, can be accidentally injured.
• Death: In rare cases, FGM can result in death due to hemorrhage, infection, or shock.

3.2. Long-Term Health Consequences

The long-term health consequences of FGM can be debilitating and affect various aspects of a woman’s life. These include:

• Chronic Pain: Many women experience chronic pelvic pain and discomfort.
• Sexual Dysfunction: FGM can lead to decreased sexual desire, pain during intercourse, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
• Menstrual Problems: Women may experience painful menstruation, difficulty passing menstrual blood, and irregular periods.
• Infertility: Scarring and infection can damage the reproductive organs, leading to infertility.
• Childbirth Complications: FGM increases the risk of difficult labor, excessive bleeding, and the need for cesarean section. It also increases the risk of newborn deaths.
• Psychological Trauma: Many women suffer from anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and low self-esteem as a result of FGM.
• Vaginal Problems: Women may experience discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis, and other infections.
• Scar Tissue and Keloid Formation: Scar tissue can form at the site of the procedure, leading to discomfort and disfigurement.

3.3. The Economic Burden of FGM

The health complications resulting from FGM place a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Treating these complications requires medical resources and personnel, diverting funds from other essential health services. The World Health Organization estimates that the treatment of health complications related to FGM costs health systems approximately US$ 1.4 billion per year. This number is expected to rise unless urgent action is taken to abandon the practice.

4. Cultural and Social Factors Influencing FGM

FGM is deeply rooted in cultural and social norms, making it challenging to eradicate. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat the practice.

4.1. Social Norms and Conformity

In many communities, FGM is a social convention, and the pressure to conform to what others do and have been doing is immense. Families may fear social rejection or exclusion if they do not adhere to the practice. The need to be accepted socially and the fear of being ostracized by the community are strong motivations to perpetuate FGM.

4.2. Preparation for Adulthood and Marriage

FGM is often considered a necessary part of raising a girl and preparing her for adulthood and marriage. It is believed to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity by controlling female sexuality. In some cultures, FGM is seen as a way to make a girl more marriageable and increase her social standing.

4.3. Religious Beliefs

Although no major religion prescribes FGM, some people believe that the practice has religious support. This misconception is often used to justify the continuation of FGM. However, religious leaders take varying positions on the issue, with many actively working to abolish the practice.

4.4. Misconceptions About Hygiene and Aesthetics

Some communities believe that FGM improves hygiene or enhances a woman’s aesthetic appeal. These beliefs are unfounded and perpetuate harmful practices based on misinformation. Education is essential to dispel these myths and promote accurate information about female anatomy and hygiene.

5. The Role of Medicalization in FGM

Medicalization of FGM refers to the practice of having healthcare providers perform FGM. This is a dangerous trend that can legitimize the practice and create a false sense of safety.

5.1. Reasons for Medicalized FGM

Healthcare providers may perform FGM for various reasons, including:

• Belief in Reduced Risk of Complications: Some healthcare providers believe that medicalized FGM carries a lower risk of complications compared to non-medicalized FGM.
• Step Towards Full Abandonment: Some believe that medicalizing FGM could be a step towards eventually abandoning the practice altogether.
• Social Norms: Healthcare providers who are members of FGM-practicing communities may be subject to the same social norms and pressures as others in their community.
• Financial Incentives: In some cases, healthcare providers may be motivated by financial gain.

5.2. The Dangers of Medicalized FGM

Medicalized FGM is still a violation of human rights and poses significant health risks. It does not eliminate the complications associated with FGM and can create a false sense of security, leading to the continuation of the practice. The World Health Organization strongly opposes medicalized FGM and urges healthcare providers not to perform the procedure.

5.3. Efforts to Combat Medicalized FGM

WHO, along with partner organizations, has developed a global strategy to combat medicalized FGM. This strategy includes training healthcare providers to become advocates for FGM abandonment and providing them with the resources they need to educate their communities about the dangers of FGM.

6. International and National Efforts to Eradicate FGM

Eradicating FGM requires a coordinated effort at the international, national, and local levels. Many organizations and governments are working to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM, enact laws prohibiting the practice, and provide support to affected communities.

6.1. International Legal Frameworks

Several international human rights instruments prohibit FGM, including:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: This declaration affirms the right to life, liberty, and security of person, and the right to be free from torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
• The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): This convention prohibits discrimination against women and requires states to take appropriate measures to eliminate harmful traditional practices, including FGM.
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC): This convention requires states to protect children from all forms of violence and to ensure their right to health, education, and development.
• The Maputo Protocol: Formally known as the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, this protocol specifically addresses FGM and calls for its prohibition and elimination.

6.2. National Laws and Policies

Many countries where FGM is practiced have enacted laws prohibiting the practice and imposing penalties on those who perform or facilitate it. These laws are essential for deterring FGM and holding perpetrators accountable. However, laws alone are not enough. Effective implementation requires strong enforcement mechanisms, community engagement, and support for survivors.

6.3. Grassroots Initiatives and Community Engagement

Grassroots initiatives and community engagement are critical for changing social norms and attitudes towards FGM. These initiatives often involve working with community leaders, religious figures, and traditional healers to promote the abandonment of FGM. Education and awareness campaigns are also essential for dispelling myths and providing accurate information about the harmful effects of FGM.

6.4. Support for Survivors

Providing support to survivors of FGM is essential for their healing and recovery. This support may include medical care, psychological counseling, and legal assistance. Survivor-led organizations play a crucial role in providing peer support and advocating for the rights of FGM survivors.

7. The Role of Education in Eradicating FGM

Education is a powerful tool for changing attitudes and behaviors related to FGM. By providing accurate information about the harmful effects of FGM and promoting gender equality, education can help to break the cycle of violence and discrimination.

7.1. Educating Communities

Education campaigns should target all members of the community, including men, women, and young people. These campaigns should focus on dispelling myths about FGM, promoting the health and human rights of girls and women, and challenging traditional gender roles.

7.2. Training Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers should be trained to recognize and treat the complications of FGM. They should also be educated about the ethical and legal obligations not to perform FGM. Healthcare providers can play a crucial role in educating their patients and communities about the dangers of FGM.

7.3. Empowering Girls and Women

Education can empower girls and women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. By providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to advocate for their rights, education can help to break the cycle of violence and discrimination.

7.4. Integrating FGM Education into School Curricula

Integrating FGM education into school curricula can help to reach young people at an early age and promote a culture of respect for human rights. This education should be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, and it should be delivered by trained educators.

8. Case Studies: Success Stories in FGM Eradication

Despite the challenges, there have been notable successes in eradicating FGM in some communities. These success stories offer valuable lessons and inspiration for others working to end the practice.

8.1. The Tostan Program in Senegal

The Tostan program in Senegal is a community-led development program that has been successful in promoting the abandonment of FGM and other harmful traditional practices. The program uses a human rights-based approach to empower communities to make their own decisions about their health and well-being. Through education and community mobilization, Tostan has helped to change social norms and attitudes towards FGM.

8.2. The Saleema Initiative in Sudan

The Saleema Initiative in Sudan is a national campaign to promote the abandonment of FGM. The initiative uses a positive messaging approach, emphasizing the importance of protecting girls’ bodies and celebrating their wholeness. The Saleema Initiative has helped to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and to challenge the social norms that perpetuate the practice.

8.3. Community-Led Initiatives in Kenya

In Kenya, various community-led initiatives have been successful in eradicating FGM. These initiatives often involve working with community elders, religious leaders, and traditional healers to promote the abandonment of FGM. Education and awareness campaigns are also essential for dispelling myths and providing accurate information about the harmful effects of FGM.

9. Challenges and Obstacles in FGM Eradication

Despite the progress made in eradicating FGM, significant challenges and obstacles remain. Addressing these challenges is essential for achieving the goal of ending FGM within a generation.

9.1. Deep-Rooted Cultural Beliefs

FGM is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and social norms, making it difficult to change attitudes and behaviors. Overcoming these beliefs requires sustained education and community engagement.

9.2. Lack of Enforcement of Laws

In many countries, laws prohibiting FGM are not effectively enforced. This lack of enforcement undermines efforts to deter FGM and hold perpetrators accountable.

9.3. Cross-Border FGM

In some cases, families may cross borders to have their daughters undergo FGM in countries where the practice is still legal or more accepted. This cross-border FGM poses a challenge for law enforcement and requires international cooperation.

9.4. The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted efforts to eradicate FGM, leading to a resurgence of the practice in some communities. School closures and restrictions on movement have made it more difficult to reach girls with education and protection services.

10. Looking Ahead: A World Without FGM

Eradicating FGM is a complex and challenging task, but it is achievable. By working together at the international, national, and local levels, we can create a world where all girls and women are free from this harmful practice.

10.1. Strengthening Legal Frameworks and Enforcement

Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms is essential for deterring FGM and holding perpetrators accountable. This includes enacting laws prohibiting FGM, providing training for law enforcement officials, and ensuring that survivors have access to legal assistance.

10.2. Scaling Up Education and Awareness Campaigns

Scaling up education and awareness campaigns is critical for changing attitudes and behaviors related to FGM. These campaigns should target all members of the community and should focus on dispelling myths about FGM, promoting the health and human rights of girls and women, and challenging traditional gender roles.

10.3. Supporting Community-Led Initiatives

Supporting community-led initiatives is essential for changing social norms and attitudes towards FGM. These initiatives often involve working with community leaders, religious figures, and traditional healers to promote the abandonment of FGM.

10.4. Providing Comprehensive Support to Survivors

Providing comprehensive support to survivors of FGM is essential for their healing and recovery. This support may include medical care, psychological counseling, and legal assistance.

FGM is a global issue that demands our attention and action. It is a violation of human rights that has devastating consequences for girls and women. By understanding the reasons behind this harmful practice and working together to eradicate it, we can create a world where all girls and women are free to live healthy, empowered lives.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About FGM

1. What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

   Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is often performed on young girls between infancy and adolescence and has no health benefits.

2. Why is FGM considered a human rights violation?

   FGM violates several fundamental human rights, including the right to health, bodily integrity, freedom from torture, and the rights of the child. It is also a form of discrimination against women and girls.

3. Where is FGM practiced?

   FGM is primarily practiced in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, due to migration, it can also be found in other parts of the world.

4. What are the health consequences of FGM?

   FGM can lead to numerous health problems, including severe pain, excessive bleeding, infection, urinary problems, difficulties during childbirth, psychological trauma, and even death.

5. Is there a religious basis for FGM?

   No, there is no religious basis for FGM. While some people may believe it has religious support, no major religion prescribes or endorses the practice.

6. What is medicalized FGM?

   Medicalized FGM refers to the practice of healthcare providers performing FGM. This is dangerous and unethical, as it legitimizes the practice and does not eliminate the health risks.

7. What is being done to eradicate FGM?

   Efforts to eradicate FGM include international advocacy, national laws and policies, community-led initiatives, education and awareness campaigns, and support for survivors.

8. How can communities work to abandon FGM?

   Communities can work to abandon FGM through education, dialogue, involving community leaders, challenging social norms, and empowering girls and women.

9. What role do men play in ending FGM?

   Men play a crucial role in ending FGM by supporting the abandonment of the practice, challenging social norms, and advocating for the rights of girls and women.

10. Where can survivors of FGM find support?

    Survivors of FGM can find support through medical professionals, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and survivor-led organizations.

Key Statistics on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Statistic	Description	Source
Number of Survivors	More than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM.	WHO
At-Risk Girls	Over 4 million girls are estimated to be at risk of FGM annually.	UNICEF
Countries with High Prevalence	FGM is concentrated in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.	WHO
Estimated Annual Healthcare Costs	Treating health complications of FGM costs approximately US$ 1.4 billion per year.	WHO
Age of Practice	FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15.	UNICEF
Legal Status	Many countries where FGM is practiced have enacted laws prohibiting the practice.	UNFPA
Global Goal	Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including FGM, by 2030.	United Nations
Economic Impact	FGM reduces women’s economic productivity, limiting their potential contributions to society.	World Bank
Role of Healthcare Providers	Medicalization of FGM, though condemned, still occurs, often driven by perceptions of reduced harm.	WHO
Decline in Prevalence	There has been a decline in FGM prevalence in some regions over the past three decades.	Population Reference Bureau