Peer-reviewed article
FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION : THE UNTOLD STORY OF INDIA
K. Rahul Singha ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This document describes female genital mutilation (FGM) as practised in India, particularly within the Bohra community. It explains that FGM is performed for cultural reasons, including controlling women's sexuality and loyalty in marriage. The practice violates children's rights to life, dignity and gender equality. Girls aged 1 to 15 years are identified as victims of this harm.
Key points
- FGM is practised in India, notably within the Bohra community
- Stated cultural rationales include protecting virginity and controlling women's sexuality and marital loyalty
- FGM violates rights to life, dignity, and gender equality
- Female children aged 1 to 15 years experience FGM in India
- The practice constitutes gender discrimination, as male and female circumcision differ in intent, purpose and impact
Limitations
This document provides no empirical data on prevalence, outcomes or evidence of effectiveness of any interventions. It is a descriptive account of the practice and its stated rationales rather than research evaluating causes, consequences or solutions.
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation is a human rights violation that is practised in India. The Bohra community uses it extensively. FGM/C is thought to be practised for non-medical or cultural reasonsas well as to protect a women virginity before marriage by limiting her enjoyment of intercourse and to deter her from becoming disloyal to her husband after marriage. Hence, FGM/C not only violates the right to life and dignitybut it also clearly violates the right to equality based on gender. The intent, purpose and impact of male and female circumcision are all distinct resulting in gender discrimination.Thus, it is pertinent to note that such cruelty is prevalent in India with female children aged 1 to 15 years being victims of Female Genital Mutilation.