Definition of FGM

Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as “female genital cutting” and fanado, consists of the total or partial removal of the external female genital organs, or any damage inflicted on the female genital organs for non-medical reasons (Vella et al., 2015). Female genital mutilation is a traditional harmful practice that affects the health, and bodily rights of women and children across the world. Internationally FGM/C is considered a very serious human rights violation and manifestation of gender inequality.

The age at which the crime occurs varies by country and community, typically occurring between birth and first pregnancy, but is sadly most common between the ages of 4 and 14.

FGM has been recognised as a form of torture or ill-treatment, since it causes severe pain and suffering. It is done for no medical reasons and by intentional decision of someone other than the victim (parent, family or community member), done to women and girls with gender-specific motivations that make it discriminatory, with the victim in a state of powerlessness, and where States fail to provide for effective measures to prevent and protect from the practice, as indifference and 64 inaction lead to encouragement of the practice (Leye & Kehrer, 2018).