When is the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation?

International day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation is celebrated on February 6 to eradicate female genital mutilation.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 120 to 140 million women have been subjected to FGM each year, and 3 million girls are in danger. FGM refers to any non-medical process that involves the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or any harm to the female genital organs. This violates human rights leading to significant health problems, including deadly bleeding.

On February 6, 2003, the United Nations declared the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation. In addition to the observance, the UN fights against FGM through various initiatives.

History of International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

During a conference convened by the Inter-African Committee on traditional practices affecting the health of women and children on February 6, 2003, Nigeria’s first lady, Mrs. Stella Obasanjo, formally announced “Zero tolerance to FGM” in Africa.

On February 6, 2012, the United Nations declared the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation. In addition to the observance, it fights against FGM through various initiatives.

This day has been observed all around the world since then. As we remember February 6, we should not forget the courage of individuals who first came out against it, as well as their recent hard-won victories. However, we must equally acknowledge the still-overwhelming problems and the leaders working on the front lines to effect change.

What is Female Genital Mutilation?

All treatments involving the removal of the external female genitalia or other harm to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons are classified as female genital mutilation.

FGM is most commonly performed on girls and young women under 18. FGM is not a religious practice and has no health advantages. On the contrary, the technique can create long-term bodily and psychological harm.

Types of FGM

• Type 1 (clitoridectomy): Removal of part or all clitoris.
• Type 2 (excision): Removal of part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia, which is the lips that surround the vagina, with or without removal of the labia majora (the more giant outer lips)
• Type 3 (infibulation): is a seal made by cutting and repositioning the labia, narrowing the vaginal aperture.

Pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, or burning the female genitals are other dangerous treatments. FGM is frequently carried out by traditional circumcisers or cutters who lack medical training. However, in other nations, a medical expert may do the procedure.

FGM is frequently performed using knives, scissors, scalpels, bits of glass, or razor blades, with no anesthetics or antiseptics employed.

FGM is frequently performed against a girl’s will and without her consent, and girls may be forced to undergo this procedure.

Consequences of FGM

Severe pain, bleeding, shock, difficulties in passing urine, infections, harm to surrounding genital tissue, and death are immediate results of FGM. In addition, severe bleeding, hemorrhagic shock, neurogenic shock resulting from pain and stress, and overwhelming infection and septicemia are all possible outcomes of the procedure.

Almost every woman who has had FGM suffers from pain and bleeding due to the surgery. In addition, the operation itself is traumatic because the girls are restrained.

Women who have undergone FGM suffer from a variety of long-term physical, sexual, and psychological repercussions in addition to the acute pain they experience during and after the cutting.

Persistent discomfort, chronic pelvic infections, cysts, abscesses, vaginal ulcers, excessive scar tissue formation, disease of the reproductive system, diminished sexual enjoyment, and psychological effects such as post-traumatic stress disorders are all possible outcomes for women who have undergone FGM.

Urinary and menstrual issues, infertility, and painful sexual intercourse are among potential complications of infibulations, a type of FGM. Sexual intercourse is only possible when the infibulation has been opened through surgery or penetrative sexual intercourse. As a result, during the first few weeks after sex life initiation, sexual intercourse is frequently uncomfortable, and the male partner may also feel pain and problems.

The scar tissue may rip during delivery, or the opening may need to be cut to allow the baby to emerge. Women from various ethnic cultures are frequently sewed up after childbirth to “tight” for their husbands. A woman’s genitalia is sliced and restitched repeatedly, resulting in excruciating scar tissue.

Treatment of FGM

If necessary, surgery to open up the vaginal canal can be performed. This is referred to as deinfibulation. It’s frequently called a reversal, but that’s a misnomer because the surgery doesn’t replace any lost tissue and doesn’t repair any harm. However, it can help with a variety of FGM-related issues.

Surgery may be indicated for the following reasons:

• For FGM-affected women who are unable to have sex or have trouble urinating.
• FGM puts pregnant women at risk of complications during labor or delivery. If at all possible, defibulation should be performed before conception.

If necessary, it can be done during pregnancy or labor, but it is best done before the last two months of pregnancy. The procedure entails an incision to open the scar tissue covering the vaginal opening.

It’s usually done in a clinic under a local anesthetic, and you won’t have to remain overnight. However, a tiny minority of women require general anesthesia or a back injection, which may necessitate a brief stay.

When and Where is FGM Performed?

The term “prevalence” refers to the percentage of women and girls who have experienced FGM at some point in their lives in a given country. Some African countries, the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia, and some migrants in Europe, the United States, and Australia practice FGM. It’s also found in several South Asian populations. The highest known incidence rates are found in 30 African countries, spanning Senegal in West Africa to Ethiopia on the east coast, Egypt in the north, and Tanzania in the south.

FGM is reported to be prevalent in 27 African nations, Yemen, and Iraqi Kurdistan, where 125 million women and girls have had FGM according to a 2013 UNICEF report based on surveys, In addition, other publications suggest that FGM is prevalent in countries not covered by the UNICEF report from 2013.

Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are among the countries that practice it. Earlier reports suggested that FGM was common among the Negev Bedouin in Israel, but by 2009, it had nearly vanished.

Girls are sometimes sent abroad if they are in Europe for female genital mutilation (FGM), but they may be unaware that this is the reason for their journey.

Girls are more likely to be subjected to FGM over the summer vacation since they have more time to “heal” before returning to school.

If you believe you are at risk of FGM, you can download the “Statement Opposing FGM” and show it to your family while on vacation.

FGM-practicing communities can be found in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. However, FGM is more likely to occur in girls born in Europe or those who live here but their families come from an FGM-practicing group.

Effect of Pandemic on FGM

The COVID-19 pandemic adds to the difficulty of putting an end to FGM. More FGM cases appear to have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the UNFPA and UNICEF. According to the UNFPA and UNICEF rapid assessment report for Somalia, 31% of community members believe there has been an increase in female genital mutilation cases compared to the pre-COVID-19 era.

According to another survey, adolescent females are at risk since school closures have cut them from their peer social networks and mentors. FGM is a violation of women’s and girls’ human rights and their right to health, security, and bodily integrity.

Unfortunately, it looks that ending FGM by 2030 will be challenging. According to the UNFPA, an additional 2 million girls are expected to be at risk of FGM over the next decade due to COVID-19. Therefore, efforts to end FGM globally, at national and local levels should be supported.

Why is FGM Carried Out?

Female genital mutilation is a sign of profoundly established gender inequality in every community where it is practiced. FGM is frequently accepted without question by both men and women in areas where it is extensively practiced. Anyone who does not follow the standard may face censure, harassment, and ostracism. Without community support, it may be difficult for families to give up the practice. It is frequently practiced even when it is known to cause harm to females since the practice’s perceived social benefits outweigh its disadvantages. FGM is carried out for a variety of reasons, which can be divided into five categories:

• FGM is performed for psychosexual reasons to manage women’s sexuality, which is frequently insatiable if sections of the genitalia, particularly the clitoris, are not removed. In addition, it is claimed to boost male sexual pleasure and ensure virginity before marriage and loyalty afterward.
• FGM is viewed as part of a girl’s initiation into womanhood and as an integral element of a community’s cultural legacy for sociological and cultural reasons. In addition, FGM is sometimes perpetuated by beliefs about female genitalia (for example, that an uncut clitoris will grow to the size of a penis or that FGM will improve fertility or infant survival).
• External female genitalia is considered unclean and unattractive in some communities and is removed to increase hygiene and aesthetic appeal.
• Although neither Islam nor Christianity condones female genital mutilation, religious law is frequently invoked to excuse the practice.
• FGM is a requirement for marriage in several communities. Economic necessity can be a primary driver of the procedure when women are heavily reliant on men.

Laws Against Female Genital Mutilation

24 of the 29 nations with the highest prevalence of FGM have employed a human rights-based approach to their FGM laws since 1965. The sentences might last anywhere from three months to a lifetime. Several countries also levy monetary penalties. Twelve affluent countries with large populations of FGM practitioners have also approved legislation criminalizing the practice.

FGM is prohibited in government health facilities and medical practitioners under several legislation. Some countries only prosecute FGM when it is carried out on minors, whereas others charge it in all cases. Fines may be imposed solely on practitioners or anybody aware of the situation but not report it. The crime could be as simple as cutting a female in the country or as complex as bringing her to another country to have it done.

International law protects the right to participate in cultural life and enjoy religious freedom. On the other hand, international law states that the freedom to express one’s religion or views may be subject to restrictions to protect others’ fundamental rights and freedoms. As a result, societal and cultural grounds protected under article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights cannot be used to justify FGM. Therefore, legislation is a crucial weapon for ending FGM.

Individuals, groups, and countries go through stages of wanting to adhere to FGM, contemplating abandoning the practice, and finally renouncing the practice entirely. The willingness to end FGM differs by country. In Somalia, for example, there is a high prevalence of FGM  (98 percent) and a solid wish to stick to the practice; in Egypt, two-thirds of women want to stick to FGM, while nearly a quarter like to abandon it; and in Nigeria, almost equal proportions (about 40%) want to adhere to and leave the practice, with 14 percent “reluctantly adhering” and 13 percent contemplating abandonment.

Tensions continue between those who want to eradicate FGM and others who wish to keep it going in these early stages of abandonment. Because FGM is firmly ingrained in African culture and is considered vital to many Africans’ identities, Westerners must approach the matter with significant care and effort to comprehend the cultural background and eradicate this practice. If FGM is to be eradicated, African communities and international aid organizations must collaborate on the ground to assess the practice’s consequences.

Why is International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation Important?

FGM awareness day is essential because it allows us to honor the girls and women who have undergone the pain of  FGM and died due to it. In many countries, female genital mutilation is considered a tradition or part of religion, so this day is essential to increase awareness that any religion does not promote FGM. Almost every religion gives women the right to protect their bodies. Yet, unfortunately, millions of girls have undergone FGM in the name of religion.

The purpose of the international day of zero tolerance of female genital mutilation is to educate girls about FGM in various ways. They should be aware of the signs that they will be a victim of FGM, and they should be informed about the helplines to contact in case they think they are in danger of FGM.

As a result, the observance of this day stimulates dialogue about the policy reforms, resources, and public education required to develop a robust community-driven program to stop FGM.

We must maintain our commitment to zero tolerance for female genital mutilation by closely monitoring the implementation of anti-female genital mutilation legislation, policies, and programs.

How to Celebrate International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation?

Survivors of female genital mutilation are encouraged to share their tales on this day by the United Nations Population Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA). Educational lectures, discussions, and displays are also held at the UN headquarters. Even though it is a sensitive subject, protecting women from this heinous behavior is critical.

Raise public awareness

Although more individuals are aware of FGM, most are unaware of cutting season and the number of girls at risk. Simply raising awareness of the problem is a vital step in ending FGM. Share information about FGM on Facebook and Twitter, and join the conversation with #EndFGM.

Join hands

Many groups practice FGM for various reasons, and the technique has been practiced for many generations. It won’t change their beliefs just by yelling that it’s wrong. If we want to end FGM, we need to reach out to residents and form partnerships.

If you reside in a region where this occurs, consider volunteering to assist. It’s important to express concerns, but the real action will have the most impact.

Speak about the dangers of FGM

FGM has long-term physical and mental implications that must be addressed so that girls and women do not have to suffer in silence any longer. Girls must be aware that they have complete control over their bodies, and no one can take that away from them.

FGM  prevention training

If you work with children or vulnerable adults, one thing you can do is enroll your school or team in FGM prevention training on FGM awareness day. This will ensure that everyone in the organization or school is aware of the situation and that children and vulnerable adults are protected from harm.

Support and fund frontline campaigners

The people defending girls and women against FGM are the unsung heroes of the struggle to abolish this practice. Frontline activists are collectively responsible for the protection and education of many people. The very least we could do is provide them with funding and support. Follow them on social media and share their work to do this.

Facts About Female Genital Mutilation

• FGM is predominantly practiced in 30 African countries, Middle Eastern, and Asian nations. Over 200 million girls have had the operation and are still living today.
• The treatment is most commonly used on young females between the ages of five and fifteen. The benefits of the therapy are viewed differently in different cultures. Some people believe it suppresses sexual urges, ensures virginity until marriage, and lowers the risk of extramarital affairs.
• Africa has the four countries with the highest percentage of women and girls who have had their genital area chopped. Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, and Sierra Leone are the countries in question.
• The United Nations campaigns against female genital mutilation, which it considers a violation of human rights.
• In December 2012, the United Nations passed a resolution officially prohibiting the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM).
• Female genital mutilation was made illegal in the United States in 1996. It is also prohibited to go outside of the United States for treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Which country has the highest rate of FGM?

Somalia has the world’s highest female genital mutilation (FGM) rate, with almost 98 percent of women undergoing the practice.

Where is FGM the most severe?

In Somalia, female genital mutilation is practically universal, and many women are subjected to infibulation, the most severe type of female genital mutilation.

FGM begins at what age?

FGM is most typically performed on young girls between the ages of five and fifteen, usually before puberty. It is against the law in many countries and constitutes child abuse. It’s excruciatingly uncomfortable and harmful to women’s and girls’ health.

How many people have survived FGM?

At least 200 million girls and women in 30 countries have been subjected to FGM.

What are the signs that a girl has been circumcised?

A girl who has had FGM may find it difficult to walk, stand, or sit and may spend more time in the restroom or toilet. In addition, after being absent from school or college, they may appear withdrawn, worried, or depressed and exhibit strange behavior.

What religions practice female genital mutilation (FGM)?

No religion supports FGM. Women and girls are respected in both Islam and Christianity. Both religions agree that God created people in the best possible shape and that the human body’s sacredness must always be protected from harm.

What impact does FGM have on gender equality?

FGM is a sign of gender inequality firmly rooted in social, political, and economic institutions as a biased harmful practice. It also depicts society’s control over girls and women and the maintenance of unfair and damaging gender norms.

Is there a link between female genital mutilation and the risk of contracting HIV?

There is a risk of HIV transmission when one tool is used to cut numerous girls, as is commonly the situation in communities where large groups of girls are cut on the same day during a sociocultural rite.

Sexual intercourse can also result in tissue laceration resulting from damage to the female sexual organs, which dramatically raises the risk of HIV infection.

What is the origin of this custom?

The practice’s origins are unknown. It existed before Islam and Christianity. Some Egyptian mummies are claimed to show signs of female genital mutilation. According to Herodotus, circumcision was practiced by the Phoenicians, Hittites, and Ethiopians in the fifth century BC.

Circumcision procedures were also practiced in Africa’s tropical zones, the Philippines, by tribes in the Upper Amazon, by women of the Arunta tribe in Australia, and by some early Romans and Arabs.

Conclusion

For the past decade, global initiatives have accelerated eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM). Maintaining these successes, however, in the face of humanitarian disasters like the coronavirus epidemic, population increase, and economic distress, is a significant challenge. If worldwide efforts are not significantly increased, the number of girls at risk of FGM in 2030 will be higher than it is now.

The elimination of female genital mutilation (FGM) requires increased and expedited investment in women and girls. The international day of zero tolerance to female genital mutilation allows us to work on a problem that has plagued us for a long time. It’s a high time to remove FGM at its source to make a world secure for women.