Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) - by Wunmi Akinbodunse

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) also known as Female Circumcision (FC) is an African traditional social practice (rite of passage) which is strongly anchored in cultural beliefs. It is performed on the female gender as early as 8 days old, before marriage or after the first pregnancy. It involves the cutting of the female genitals. Myths surrounding the uncircumcised girl / women include – infertility, promotion of promiscuity, itching in the genital, bad omen if the head of a child touches the clitoris during delivery etc.

Based on the health consequences of these acts which include excessive bleeding that can lead to hemorrhage, destruction of blood vessels in the female genital areas, chronic infections, infertility, problem during pregnancy and pains during sexual intercourse.  More Advocacy and sensitisation programs involving local community leaders (gatekeepers) and government policy makers should be done to eradicate FGM. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in a message to mark International Day against FGM on 6th February 2010, three million girls are still at the risk of genital mutilation each year. The UNFPA called for change of perception on the practice and noted that a decline in the number of FGM had been recorded in some communities, which had chosen to make public declarations against the practice, insisting that  FGM 'severely violates the human rights of women and girls'.