Peer-reviewed article

Emphasizing the need to eradicate the practice of female genital mutilation worldwide

Saurabh RamBihariLal Shrivastava, Prateek Sudhakar Bobhate · 1 May 2024

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) refers to any procedure, which is performed for a nonmedical indication and results in an alteration or injuries to the female genitalia.[1] On a global scale, it has been acknowledged as a serious discrimination and violation of the human rights of girls and women and also reflects the inequality prevalent in the society between the sexes for centuries.[1,2] In fact, recent estimates suggest that on average 110–140 million girls have been subjected to some form of FGM worldwide, and if no active measures are taken, another 15 million girls will have to experience the same by 2030.[1,2] FGM: DISTRIBUTION AND CONSEQUENCES These procedures are generally performed between birth and till the girl child attains 15 years of age, and is quite common in 29 nations in Africa and the Middle East.[2,3] In addition, the procedure is performed in various Asian nations and some of the indigenous groups in Latin America.[2] From the health perspective, these procedures are extremely harmful and generally result in immediate (like bleeding, pain, and infection) as well as long-term complications (viz. urinary tract infections, difficulties in childbearing, infertility, and vaginal tears).[1-3] However, from a human rights perspective, it violates their rights to health and physical integrity, their right to be free from torture-inhuman treatment, and even their right to life.[2,4] SOCIOCULTURAL DETERMINANTS FGM is more of an ancient cultural practice and is being influenced by a large number of individual, economic, socio-demographic, and religious (like an uncircumcised girl is considered dirty) attributes.[1,2] For instance, men in their varied roles in different positions in society can play a crucial role in the continuation or abandonment of the procedure.[5] However, social obligations, the position of men and women in society, and the lack of dialog between men and women are the key hurdles toward the aim of ending this unhealthy practice.[1,2] PREVENTION AND CONTROL MEASURES To facilitate the abandonment of FGM, there is an extensive need for coordinated and systematic efforts, which should essentially engage the whole community, with a primary target of safeguarding the rights of girls and women, ensuring gender equality, and addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of women/girls who are experiencing the adverse consequences of the procedure.[1,3,5] From the legal perspective, most of the nations worldwide have enforced laws, which have made the procedure illegal and by which all the involved persons can be punished.[1] Furthermore, any such completed procedure or any child who is at risk of the same in the future has to be reported to the health authorities mandatorily.[2] Nevertheless, it is important to highlight that by mere enforcement of legislation, the problem cannot be addressed.[1,2] The only effective way to abolish it completely is through a grass-roots approach targeting the education of the community in a culturally sensitive manner and an attempt to make a way out within the existing system of beliefs.[1,2,5] CONCLUSION To conclude, even though the practice of FGM has persisted for hundreds of years, a coordinated and community-based approach can eradicate the problem shortly. Author contributions SRS contributed to the conception or design of the work, drafting of the work, approval of the final version of the manuscript, and agreed to all aspects of the work. PSB contributed to the literature review, revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content, approval of the final version of the manuscript, and agreed on all aspects of the work. HGM contributed to revising the draft, approved the final version of the manuscript, and agreed to all aspects of the work. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.