Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is estimated that more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated.

Understanding the Context

In addition, every year ... The present study, titled Exploring the health complications of female genital mutilation through a systematic review and meta-analysis, updates and expands previous reviews, compiling all available data on health complications from studies with comparison groups of women with and without FGM, and by the different types of FGM. Female genital mutilation (FGM) has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways. The practice involves removing and injuring healthy and normal female genital tissue, interfering with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies.

Key Insights

It can lead to immediate health risks, as well as a variety of long-term complications affecting women’s physical, mental and sexual health ... The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed each year on 6 February, marks a moment to take stock of progress, recognize what has worked and confront the scale of what remains to be done to end this harmful practice. An estimated 4.5 million girls, many under the age of five, are at risk of undergoing FGM. If current trends continue, 22.7 million ... Female genital mutilation (FGM) is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

Final Thoughts

It reflects deep rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women.