The International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation is being observed by the United Nations on February 6, 2016.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a common practice mainly prevalent in around 29 countries in the world. Cases have also been noted in several other countries, often in immigrants. It is estimated that around 200 million women and girls are living with the consequences of such procedures.
To End Female Genital Mutilation, Britain Announced Global Aid Programme
In a bid to end the practice of female genital mutilation, Britain announced a £35 million ($53 million, 41 million euro) global aid programme.
In a bid to end the practice of female genital mutilation, Britain announced a £35 million ($53 million, 41 million euro) global aid programme.
‘Female genital mutilation is one of the worst forms of atrocities met out to women in certain parts of the world especially Africa and the Middle East. The United Nations calls for zero tolerance against this barbaric practice.’
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In FGM, parts of the external female genitalia are cut
or scarred. The procedure can vary from pricking or piercing the genitals to
the removal of genital parts like the clitoris, labia minora and labia majora.
The clitoris is the small erectile part, while the labia minora and labia
majora are the lips around the vagina. Another procedure done is narrowing of
the vagina. The circumcision procedures have no medical benefit for the
females. Many of the females who undergo the procedure are young girls. This form of discrimination against the girls interferes with their basic human rights. The pain that they have to undergo during the circumcision is unimaginable. Several procedures are carried out in conditions that expose the girl to massive bleeding, severe infections and even tetanus. The lifelong scars on the most sensitive part of the female anatomy is a complete torture. They can cause problems with sexual intercourse, fertility and childbirth.
Female genital mutilations are done under the garb of cultural, social and sometimes even religious excuses. More often than not, they are done to prevent premarital and extramarital affairs. The pain of going through sexual intercourse dissuades the young girls from premarital sex. It is unfortunate that the culture puts the entire burden of maintaining virginity on young girls in such a cruel manner. To add to the trauma, the vaginal opening is sometimes again stitched after the delivery.
Offering Hope For Victims Of Female Genital Mutilation Comes Reconstructive Surgery
Recollections when sweet are memorable but what about those which are painful and humiliating.
Recollections when sweet are memorable but what about those which are painful and humiliating.
The UNFPA and UNICEF arms of the United Nations jointly carry out a program called Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting (FGM/C), which is currently in its second phase. This phase focuses on 17 African countries where the practice is common. The goals of this phase are to reduce the prevalence of FGM by 40 percent in girls aged 14 years or younger in at least 5 countries, and get at least one country to declare a total elimination of the practice by the end of the phase in 2017.
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Parents in Spain Will Sign a Declaration Promising Their Daughters Will Not Undergo Female Genital Mutilation
Spain's health ministry approved a new government protocol, which will require parents to sign a declaration promising their daughters will not undergo female genital mutilation.
Spain's health ministry approved a new government protocol, which will require parents to sign a declaration promising their daughters will not undergo female genital mutilation.
- The program creates awareness at the community, national, regional as well as international levels about the barbaric practice. Mere government policies are unlikely to solve the issue. Societies need to be motivated to give up the practice and remove any pressure on girls from undergoing the procedure.
- It helps to strengthen health facilities and train medical professionals to treat the problems created by the procedure.
- It encourages religious leaders to de-link the practice from religion, which could help to a large extent to stop the practice.
- It also works with the media to encourage dialogue on the issue and to change perceptions about the practice among girls who have not yet undergone any procedure.
References:
1. http://www.un.org/en/events/femalegenitalmutilationday/Advertisement
Female Genital Mutilation Spreads to Europe, US, with Migration
Growing migration flows have established female genital mutilation in Western countries too in recent years, the head of an international migration agency said on Friday.
Growing migration flows have established female genital mutilation in Western countries too in recent years, the head of an international migration agency said on Friday.
Source-Medindia
