Introduction
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a barbaric and archaic practice across communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, which involves the total or partial removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital area, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). FGM is a cultural tradition with no health benefits and has been considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights, including their health rights. Sadly, it is still practised in some cultures, whereby young girls are subjected to severe pain, excessive bleeding, and other complications. This article aims to give a clear understanding of the context, cost, and responses to FGM in Africa.
The Cultural Context: Tradition, Identity, and Social Norms
Female genital mutilation is deeply rooted in ancient cultural practices and has no medical benefits as strongly by its practitioners claim. In communities where FGM is practiced, it is often viewed as necessary due to various reasons such as rite of passage, controlling sexuality, social acceptance, marriageability, etc. Where FGM is a social norm, the social pressure to conform to what others do or have done, as well as the need to be socially accepted and the deep fear of being ostracized by the community, are driving factors that perpetuate this practice. This barbaric act is deemed necessary in raising a girl child, and a way of to prepare her for adulthood and marriage. This includes controlling her sexuality to promote premarital virginity and marital fidelity. This practice not only encourages female subjugation to various vices but also widens the gap of equality between men and women.
The Human Cost: Health, Well-Being, and Human Rights
Female genital mutilation has no health benefits for girls and women and results in severe bleeding and problems urinating, later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risks of newborn deaths. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. The practice violates a person’s right to health and social integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment; and the right to life in instances when the procedure results in death. Female genital mutilation not only exacts a crippling human cost, but it also takes a high economic toll, amounting to $1.4 billion annually. FGM hurts girls, imposes lifelong health risks, and strains the health-care systems that need to treat them.
Global and Local Responses to FGM Conclusion
Eradicating and abolishing FGM completely in Africa requires the collaborative efforts of human rights activists, community leaders, health workers, and international bodies. Global organisations like UNICEF, WHO, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are making joint global efforts to create awareness about the dangers of FGM and to shift the culture to complete abandonment. They provide girls who are at risk of FGM and survivors with medical and psychological care, and developed guidance and resources for health workers to prevent FGM, among many others. However, at the local front, survivors are sharing their experiences and breaking the silence that surrounded this abominable practice for generations. Grassroots organisations, health instructors, and educators are partnering with elders, parents, religious leaders, and schools to question long-held FGM beliefs and provide alternative rites of passage that celebrate girlhood without harm. One of the strongest tools against FGM is education. When communities have access to quality education and honest conversations, the support for the practice declines.
Conclusion
Female Genital Mutilation remains one of the most severe violations of the rights, health, and dignity of girls and women. Despite being deeply rooted in cultural traditions, it has no medical value and causes lifelong physical, psychological, and social harm. Ending FGM in Africa requires sustained commitment at both global and local levels through strong laws, community engagement, education, and survivor-centered support systems. When harmful norms are challenged with knowledge, empathy, and culturally sensitive alternatives, meaningful change becomes possible. Protecting girls from FGM is not only a moral and human rights imperative but also a vital step toward achieving gender equality, social justice, and sustainable development across the continent.
Authors: Mercy Odewale & Eze Omasirichukwu
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