What is FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)?

• FGM is the partial or total removal of the female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Why are we calling for an immediate end to the practice?

FGM severs girls and women FOREVER. It is traumatic and violates their body integrity and mental health. Women deserve to feel pleasure and to enjoy the right to live free and healthy lives. 

That’s why FGM violates:

• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
• The Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
• Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT)
• International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR)
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Does it happen in the Americas and the Caribbean?

Yes! Research has shown that some form of FGM is practised in communities in South America, in Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Perú, although it is concentrated in specific regions from the Atlantic coast to the Horn of Africa, including parts of the Middle East and Asia, with varying prevalence rates. Countries like Somalia, Guinea, and Djibouti have rates exceeding 90%, while in Cameroon and Uganda, it affects no more than 1% of girls and women.(Source UNICEF).

If I'm not from one of the countries that practices it, why does it affect me?

Because Humanity and the evolution of civilizations depend on recognizing and respecting the fact that all people have the right to live full, happy and violence-free lives.

More awareness and more educated conversations around the subject are needed to successfully end the harmful practice.

Here are some helpful resources: The National FGM Centre, WHO