100 million women.

By Porsha Nunes-Brown

It is estimated that 100 million women have been subjected to female circumcision, officially known as female genital mutilation (FGM).

There are three types of FGM. Type I is the partial or total removal of the clitoris, Type II is the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora and Type III is the removal of everything leaving only a small hole for urination and menstruation. It is usually performed between the ages of four and eight and usually with no pain relief. It is most frequently carried out in western and southern Asia, the Middle East and several countries in Africa.

This process is carried out due to a mix of cultural, religious and social reasons. Many people believe it will stop women from being too sexually active ensuring chastity until marriage. Some communities consider girls not worthy of marriage if they have not been circumcised. There are no religious scriptures that endorse this practice; some religious leaders promote it while opposing its use.

The health risks are high with scissors, razor blades, and pieces of glass being used, often on more than one girl, increasing the chance of infection. In some cases, girls die due to haemorrhaging and shock. It can lead to long term effects such as mental trauma, difficulty having sex, and urinary and reproductive problems.

Due to health campaigns, FGM has decreased in some countries. For example, in Sudan the practice dropped by 10%. A number of governments have introduced laws to ensure the practice is only done in a hospital by trained doctors.

Other countries, such as Egypt, have outlawed the operation, but it still remains a culturally accepted practice. Health workers don’t feel banning the practice will work and a less confrontational approach will be more effective for example Ntanira Na Mugambo known as ‘circumcision by words’. It’s a week-long project of education about the negative effects of FGM and girls have classes about reproduction, hygiene, respect for adults, and dealing with peer pressure. There is also there is a coming of age ceremony for young women.

Providing education to these communities is essential to help end this practice that leaves many girls with long term health problems.