Introduction

Female Genital Mutilation or excision involves the partial or total removal of the external genital organs of women or any other injury to female genital organs that are practiced for non-medical reasons. Generally, they are performed on young girls between childhood and the age of 15 by a traditional circumciser using a knife or razor blade with or without anesthesia. The reasons for this practice are varied, and although it is recognized as a violation of women’s fundamental rights, millions of young girls continue to be victims of it in several African countries and other parts of the globe like Asia.

What are the causes of this dangerous practice that persists in our communities?

This practice is deeply rooted in certain traditions. For many of these traditions, it is necessary to confer purity, chastity, and an essential rite of passage to adulthood to the young girl in order to ensure a good marriage for her. Although it is not mentioned in any holy book, some often brandish religious texts to try to support it.

What are the daily consequences suffered by mutilated women?

The immediate consequences are mostly severe bleeding that can lead to death, transmission of viruses including HIV. In the long term, those who survive are most often confronted with urinary infections, loss or decrease in sexual pleasure, chronic pain, painful menstruation, complications during childbirth leading to stillbirths, etc.

The psychological consequences are equally enormous. These mutilated young girls are plagued by low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and intense fear. Some find it difficult to confide in their traumas or the physical repercussions they endure. They live in fear of not getting married and not meeting the expectations of their husband and society.

Proposed Solutions

To effectively combat this persistent practice, it would be wise to increase the number of awareness campaigns to raise awareness among more communities about the consequences of this practice. It is also important to train young girls and women on the mechanisms for reporting such practices against children. The establishment of specialized listening centers is more than necessary to follow them and provide them with adequate psychological support. Sanitary programs should be implemented to take care of the treatment of various sequelae.

Conclusion

Female Genital Mutilation persists over time in several societies. Previously, international organizations worked to eradicate this harmful, degrading, and outdated practice. While some communities have become aware of its harmfulness to the well-being of the young girl and woman, others still ignore it or practice it in response to their beliefs.