The Fight Against FGM
Female genital mutilation is a large social concern across the globe. This practice is known to occur in all areas around the world and it is also known as a massive violation of the human rights of women and children. Although it takes place internationally, the most prevalent regions it takes place in is northern, western, and eastern Africa. There are also countries in Asia as well as in the Middle East who preform this invasive procedure. It is interesting to see that this practice does not stem from religious beliefs but from deep rooted culture.
Female genital mutilation is also known as female circumcision. Female circumcision is defined as cutting away part, or all, of the external female genitalia. This procedure is mainly preformed on girls ranging from when they are born to about age fifteen. This does not mean older women are not subjected to it as well. Children who are subjected to this circumcision have no voice to stand up for themselves therefore making it a very severe violation of their human rights. There is usually a designated member of the community who preforms the circumcision on these young girls. This makes it very hazardous because they are not trained health professionals and do not use sterilized or proper tools for a surgery of any kind. There are many different ways that these groups preform female genital mutilation. Some of the reasons that these different communities practice this tradition are to lower or control female sexuality. Another reason is that some see the female genitalia unclean and unpleasant. Although it is not, some mistakenly believe that female circumcision is a religious requirement that needs to be fulfilled.