In 1997, WHO released a statement with the United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF to condemn the practice of female genital mutilation. Yet they continue to be the reality of many countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Each year, more than 3 million women are threatened with this barbaric attack on their genitals..
On the occasion of the international day against female genital mutilation this February 6, the WHO takes stock of the progress of this fight. It also recalls what it is precisely about, what types of attacks can be made on young girls and women and the elements which explain that they continue to be perpetrated, in the total absence of any medical reason.
Dramatic side effects for women’s health
There are places where they are considered a convention, a norm for marrying young girls. “In some communities, female genital mutilation represents an almost universal practice, which is very rarely challenged”, notes the Organization. They are seen as an education and preparation of young girls for adulthood, they are “often motivated by beliefs about what is considered appropriate sexual behavior. They aim to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity. ” Or even to discourage women from having extra marital relations.
They are an attack on human dignity, a violation of the rights of children and women. They cause countless complications, pain, bleeding, urinary, vaginal, menstrual or even psychological problems.
Source: WHO, January 2022.
Read also:
- Female mutilation: it affects 200 million women
- A “great national action plan” to fight against female circumcision
