FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
– FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal or Injury of to the female external genital organs (Clitoris, Labia) for nonmedical reasons.
– Female genital mutilation (FGM) is internationally recognized as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.
How Common is female genital mutilation?
🔴20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM representing 10% of the global total
🔴this year 2022, there are 4.2 million girls worldwide at risk of undergoing FGM. (UN)
🔴100-140 million girls and women world wide are living with consequences of FGM
What are the Consequences of FGM?
🔴Health Consequences:
All forms of FGM can cause immediate bleeding and pain and are associated with risk of infection
🔴Social consequences:
-often results in harassment, exclusion from important communal events and support networks, as well as discrimination by peers leading to mental health challenge
-they experience pain during sexual intercourse, have significantly less sexual satisfaction and are twice as likely to report a lack of sexual desire which affects their quality of life.
🔴Economic costs:
FGM and it’s complication is a financial burden to health systems
Complications:
Immediate health risks : • Severe pain • Haemorrhage (i.e. excessive bleeding) • Sepsis (ie Severe Infection) • Difficulty in passing urine • Infections • Death
Long term health risk:
Urinary and menstrual problems • Painful sexual intercourse and poor quality of sexual life • Infertility • Reproductive tract infections • Psychological consequences, such as fear of sexual intercourse, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression
Obstetric complications: • Caesarean section • Postpartum haemorrhage (i.e., excessive bleeding after child birth) • Extended hospital stay • Stillbirth or early neonatal death
Can FGM be prevented ?
🟢The most common risk factors for either undergoing FGM or forcing a girl to undergo the procedure are cultural, religious and social.
🟢Solution/Prevention:
✅Community Engagement and education. Religious leaders and community heads
✅Legislation against FGM.
✅Using a comprehensive and rights-based approach. The components of a comprehensive, rights-based strategy might include:
✔️approaches focused on reducing gender discrimination
✔️ improving social justice and supporting human rights
✔️community development
✔️ empowerment and literacy among women and girls.
Need for awareness!!! 🗣️🗣️🗣️
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems from a Local approach.
The consequences of FGM are devastating hence the need to call attention to action at preventing and stopping this harmful practice!
Ending FGM is upholding the human rights of all our women and girls ✅
Spread the word. Stop FGM today! ❌
