This day aims to raise awareness about female genital mutilation (FGM), a violation of the human rights of girls and women. There is no doubt that it reflects inequality between the sexes and constitutes a form of discrimination against women. Let us tell you that it is mainly performed on minors. It not only violates a person’s rights to health, security and physical integrity but also violates cruelty, inhumanity and the right to life when the procedures result in death.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023: Theme
The theme for 2023 is “Partnering with men and boys to transform social and gender norms to end FGM”.
The main aim of this day is to end female genital mutilation within a decade and it will need support from all sides, especially the youth. Therefore, the theme focuses on youth mobilization around eliminating harmful practices, including female genital mutilation.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: History
Against female genital mutilation (FGM), in 1997, WHO issued a joint statement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Since then, many efforts have been made to combat FGM.
– The Joint Program on Female Genital Mutilation/Mutilation was initiated by UNFPA and UNICEF in 2007 to accelerate the abandonment of this practice.
– A declaration was issued by WHO together with nine other UN partners in 2008 on the elimination of FGM called “Elimination of female genital mutilation: an interagency declaration”.
– WHO in 2010 published a “Global Strategy to Prevent Female Genital Mutilation by Health Care Providers” in collaboration with other key United Nations agencies and international organizations.
– The United Nations General Assembly in 2012 passed resolution A/RES/67/14 on eliminating female genital mutilation (FGM).
National Youth Day 2023: Theme, History and Key Events
What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?
Female genital mutilation is also sometimes called circumcision, in which a female’s external genitalia are partially or completely removed or another injury to the female genitalia is caused by non-medical reasons. Mainly, this procedure is performed between birth and 15 years of age. Adult women can also undergo this procedure.
FGM is practiced mainly in Africa, especially in Northeast, East and West Africa. It also takes place in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and among immigrants in Europe.
According to WHO, female genital mutilation procedures are classified into four main types:
Type 1: It is called clitoridectomy. In this type, the clitoris is partially or completely removed, a small, sensitive, erect part of the female genitals. In very rare cases, only the skin surrounding the clitoris is removed.
Type 2: It is called excisional. In this case, the clitoris is partially or completely removed and the labia minora are the inner folds of the vulva, with or without removal of the labia majora, the outer folds of the skin of the vulva.
Type 3: It is called infibulation. During this process, the vaginal opening is narrowed through the creation of a tight seal.
Category 4: Includes all other harmful procedures on the female genital organs for non-medical purposes. Like injection, piercing, incision, scraping and burning of the genital area.
Consequences of female genital mutilation
Let us tell you that FGM does not have any health benefits. It just harms girls and women in many different ways. It interferes with the natural functions of girls and women’s bodies. It eliminates and damages normal, healthy female genital tissue.
After the procedure, the effects are usually immediate and can cause severe bleeding, infection, tetanus, bladder paralysis or blood poisoning and can even lead to death. It also transmits AIDS/HIV through the use of dirty equipment.
Sometimes victims may face psychological trauma, loss of sexual sensation, prolonged pain during urination and menstruation, scar tissue and keloid scars, sexual problems, increased risk of complications childbirth and infant mortality, etc
Female genital mutilation: The truth
– According to UNFPA, the cost of preventing female genital mutilation is currently 95 USD per girl.
– Female genital mutilation is common in almost 30 countries with high population growth rates with at least 30% of girls experiencing it in the female population under 15 years of age.
– According to WHO, more than 200 million girls and women face genital mutilation in 30 countries including Africa, the Middle East and Asia and are still alive today.
Source: un.org, who.int
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