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Female Genital Mutilation: A Human Rights Concern

Apr. 11, 2022   •   Nikita Saha


AUTHOR'S PROFILE: Priya Singh, 2nd year (BA. LLB) of Chanakya National Law University


INTRODUCTION

Female genital mutilation refers to operations on the private parts of women that involve partial or total removal of the external genitalia and this is practised basically for non-therapeutic or for cultural reasons. It is one of the biggest problems that is affecting women and young girls at large. It is recognized both internationally and locally to be an enduring culture that is very difficult to overcome because it violates the human rights of women and young girls and there is a high level of illiteracy involved. FGM occurs largely in Islamic countries starting through the central belt of Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and as far north as Egypt. All women residing in the countries like Mali, Sudan, and Somalia are infibulated at a young age; it also flourishes in Yemen and Oman. This put heavy emphasis on both the physical state of virginity in the Muslim community and it is considered the best method of controlling the purity of women. One of the important reasons why female genital mutilation is practised in African and Muslim communities is based on the belief that it controls the sexual urges of women and younger girls and they are likely to be faithful to their future husbands. People also believe that the clitoris is dangerous to the baby at birth if not cut as it may come in contact with the baby’s head, and may kill the baby. The clitoris is an important organ that helps in experiencing sexual pleasure and orgasm among women and mutilation would negatively influence sexual achievement and fulfilment of sexual pleasure. In this process, women and girls are socially, psychologically, and psychosexually in their lives if they were mutilated. It has been argued that there is no clear information in religious books concerning the practice of FGM.’

CLASSIFICATION OF FGM

There are four types of female genital mutilation classified by UNICEF, UNFPA, and WHO (in the year 2008) in their joint statement.

  • Type I: Clitoridectomy of female genital mutilation

It is done by taking out the hood of the clitoris only, not by touching any other parts. It is one of the gentlest types of female genital mutilations and it does not cause any health effects to those who practice it. The traditional name used for it in Somalia is “Sunna” and in Kenya is “Okwaroka”.

  • Type II: Excision

It is carried out on the victims by removing the whole or a part of the Labia minora. In some communities, the labia minora are completely taken out and are the most widely practised form of Female genital mutilation.

  • Type III: Infibulations

It is practised surgically by closing the Labia majora, both the genitals are sewn together leaving a small hole for urinating and for menstrual blood. It is one of the most dangerous types of female genital mutilation and girls around the age of puberty are subjected to this type of cruel act to ensure chastity.

  • Type IV: Intermediate

This process involves mutilation and stitching of the clitoris. The clitoris is being taken out and the labia minora is either stitched together or it can be done by leaving the clitoris uncut and removing the labia minora.

THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF FGM

The practise of female genital mutilation adversely affects the lives of women and young girls and leaves a social and psychological impact. It has been proved that women with FGM have higher rates of dyspareunia and there is a lack of sexual desire, as fibrosis and rigid scar tissue predispose to the narrowing of the vaginal orifice which makes intercourse difficult and painful. The cutting of nerve ends causes extreme pain and also healing is painful. There is excessive bleeding if the blood vessel is cut and this can cause infection and inflammatory response, this may be spread due to the use of instruments in the female genital mutilation. This may also include urinary retention and pain in passing urine. Death can result from infections, excessive bleeding can lead to shock. The pain, the shock, and the use of instruments can lead to a traumatic event in the women's life. Female genital mutilation destroys the anatomic structure involved in female sexual function and therefore affects women’s sexual health and well-being. Removing highly sensitive genital tissue may lead to sexual problems and it also decreases sexual pleasure and desire and lots of pain during sex (difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication during sexual intercourse, and absence of orgasm). Many studies have shown that girls and women who have undergone FGM are more prone to a post-traumatic stress disorder, somatic complaints, and depression.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights are the basic rights and freedom given to all people regardless of nationality, nation, origin, language, sex, or any other status. The practise of FGM is always a violation of the human rights of women. African countries still practice FGM never taking into consideration breaking the law or violating other people’s rights. Illiteracy is one of the foremost reasons why these practices are still prevalent because many people are not aware of human rights. The participants who were mutilated were young, without being consulted whether they wanted to undergo the procedure or not. Those who were mutilated also have a right to sex and cutting away the clitoris that stimulates the sexual desire of the women. The use of unsterilized instruments and tools with no proper medication and the same instrument used for several girls increase the chances of contracting infection are high. The victim of FGM is not given any proper medication or sees a doctor which is a part of the health benefits that are necessary for every person. Victims feel like they are roped their right to enjoyment. FGM is a form of torture and discrimination against women and is massive gender inequality in practising societies. It deters opportunities for women and girls to achieve their full potential. Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights supports women and girls are entitled to sexual and corporal integrity as the practice of FGM is a violation of their rights to their bodies and sexual desire. The practise of female genital mutilation violates many human rights mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human rights and the convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. Many countries have ratified these conventions except Somalia. When a girl undergoes FGM, her consent is not free and her decision is a direct result of the social pressure of communities that comes in the form of exclusion from communities, threats, and so on. The practise of FGM violates the well-established human rights principles. Article 12 of CEDAW, provides violence as a health risk and article 12 (2) provides discrimination about pregnancy and various health-related issues. The protection of the female chastity is important and who decides the purity of women by removal of her genitals is done without their consent. The practise of FGM violates women's fundamental right against inhuman, degrading, and cruel treatment.

CONCLUSION

Female genital mutilation is a very serious issue that is still prevalent over the world. There is great difficulty in dealing with FGM as we do have not the right framework for the disclosure of the rights of the women. The practise of FGM is a social issue that is affecting a large number of women and young girls both socially and psychologically. To eradicate this practice we need education campaigns and awareness schemes in the communities where it is prevalent, the campaigns need to include topics on human rights and its consequence. Many African countries have criminalized this practice but this deep-rooted cultural and traditional practice is still in practice. For the abolition of this inhumane practise, we have to take into consideration many factors and have to look into all aspects (historical, economical, social, political, and geographical) because they are part of their life and culture. Human rights are available to every individual and the practice of FGM has proven to be those cultural norms that need to be investigated in the light of human rights principles. Upon investigation, it was discovered that nationally and internationally it violates the rights of young girls and women. It is not only a violation of human rights but also a criminal offence against women. Women and young girls should be supported and given opportunities to use their potential to their fullest extent, they should be supported by providing the necessary information about the practice to stop their abuse and violation. There should be proper authorities to report the abuse and take criminal action against those who force women to undergo Female genital mutilation.


FAQs

  • What is the full form of FGM?

The full form of FGM is female genital mutilation which is frequent in African countries.

  • What does FGM mean?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a culture that involves partial or total removal of external genitalia for a nonmedical purpose.


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