Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a cultural practice that has been around for centuries. Unfortunately, FGM still exists in some parts of the world and has a significant impact on the lives of women and girls. In a recent discussion hosted by She Leads Network and other organizations on Breeze FM (91.9 FM). Miss Adenike, the Assistant Coordinator of the Network, shed light on the topic of FGM and its effects on females.
According to Miss Adenike, Female Genital Mutilation refers to all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or othe r injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This practice affects women and girls and is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15. Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of girls’ and women’s fundamental rights; an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women.
Miss Adenike explained that FGM is usually a result of cultural and social reasons within families and communities, with the mistaken belief that it would benefit the girl in some way, such as preparation for marriage or to preserve her virginity. Some claim religious reasons, which has not been found to be supported by any religion. She emphasized that there is no justifiable reason for FGM, and it must be stopped.
There are four types of FGM, as explained by Miss Adenike. The first which is Clitoridectomy, involves removing part or all of the clitoris. Excision involves removing part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia, with or without the removal of the labia majora. Infibulation is the narrowing of the vaginal opening. The fourth type includes harmful procedures to the female genitals, including pricking, cutting, scraping, or burning of the area.
The effects of FGM, as highlighted by Miss Adenike, include physical, emotional, and psychological harm. FGM provides no benefits whatsoever, and its effects range from pain, difficulty passing urine, difficulty having sex, excessive bleeding, repeated infections, painful menstruation, depression, anxiety, trauma, and problems during childbirth, which can be life-threatening to both mother and child. It can also lead to withdrawal from society and a loss of trust in society.
Miss Adenike explained that treatment can be done for some types of FGM, like surgeries carried out to deinfibulate to open up what has been closed. However, FGM that includes cutting certain parts off cannot be undone. Support is also available for those who speak out, and the first step to healing is speaking out.
In order to put an end to FGM, everyone must be involved. Community members, community leaders, religious leaders, civil society organizations, media, and government must all work together to end FGM. Policies and laws have been passed to punish perpetrators of such acts. These policies has a term of imprisonment not exceeding four years or a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both. It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that an end comes to FGM.
In conclusion, FGM is a harmful practice that violates the rights of women and girls. It has no benefits whatsoever and leads to physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It is up to everyone to speak out and put an end to FGM.