SAY NO TO FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION( female circumcision)

Female Genital Mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (WHO). It is also sometimes referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision. There are no health benefits to FGM and it is recognised internationally as a human rights violation.

Females’ genital mutilation (FGM) is one of the harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women and children. It has a long-term physiological, sexual and psychological effect on women. It remains still a serious problem for large proportion of women in most sub-Saharan Africa countries including Ethiopia . FGM is practiced in more than 29 countries across Africa, parts of the Middle East, South East Asia and countries where migrants from FGM affected communities live.

 

Female genital mutilation is classified into four major types:

• Type 1 – Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).
• Type 2 – Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are “the lips” that surround the vagina).
• Type 3 – Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.
• Type 4 – Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.

60,000 girls under 15 are at risk of FGM in the UK
137,000 girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM in the UK
Over 130 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM
      

The Foundation for Women's Health, Research and Development – FORWARD is a leading African Diaspora women's campaign and support charity dedicated to advancing and safeguarding the sexual and reproductive health and rights central to the wellbeing of African women and girls. They work with individuals, communities and organisations in the UK, Europe and Africa to transform harmful practices and improve the quality of life of vulnerable girls and women.

If you think you or someone you know is at risk of FGM, click here for advice on seeking support.