Female Genital Mutilation: Unveiling The Path to Eradication
Shehnaz Begum, Gitanjali Ghosh ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5
This paper looks at female genital mutilation (FGM) as a deeply rooted practice worldwide. It describes the cultural, historical and social reasons the practice continues, and its harm to the physical, mental and reproductive health of women and girls. It argues that current international and national measures remain ineffective because of social and cultural barriers, gaps in law and weak enforcement. It calls for a combined approach involving law reform, better health care and community awareness, based on human rights.
Key points
FGM remains a widespread and deeply rooted custom despite many global efforts to end it.
It has severe consequences for the physical, mental and reproductive well-being of women and girls.
Patriarchal norms, social structures and misconceptions about culture and morality help keep the practice going.
Existing mechanisms are described as ineffective because of socio-cultural barriers, a lack of legal frameworks and weak enforcement.
Changing societal mindsets is needed, not only severe punishments.
Limitations
Only the abstract is available, and it names no countries, data or methods, so the strength of its claims cannot be judged. It does not evaluate any specific intervention.
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been a worldwide and severely rooted custom despite numerous global initiatives to eradicate it. This paper explores the cultural, historical, and societal factors of FGM, emphasizing its catastrophic consequences on the physical, mental, and reproductive well-being of women and girls. The practice not only restricts bodily autonomy but also violates fundamental human rights, intensifying gender-based discrimination. Due to socio-cultural hindrances, a lack of a legal framework, and weak execution, the diverse international and national mechanisms that challenge the practice remain ineffective. The deeply rooted social structures, patriarchal norms, and misconceptions relating to culture and morality lead to the continuance of this heinous practice. Government, medical professionals, religious leaders, civil society organisations, etc., can combine to work as a multidimensional strategy through legal reforms, improved healthcare systems, and grassroots-level awareness campaigns to address this issue. A strengthened legal framework promoting international cooperation and survivor support can make a progressive step towards the elimination of FGM. Efforts must focus on changing societal mindsets rather than relying solely on severe punishments to eliminate these harmful practices at their core. This paper emphasizes a human rights-based approach that advocates for gender equality and drives societal change. It ensures that women and girls can live with dignity, independence, and protection from harm and discrimination.
