Written by: Admin_SheEvo
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves the partial or complete removal of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is also referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision. FGM is typically carried out on girls between infancy and the age of 15, although it can also be performed on adult women. FGM is practiced in many parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. It is often associated with cultural or religious traditions, but there is no religious justification for the practice.
There are also no medical benefits to FGM and it can cause severe physical harm, including bleeding, infections, chronic pain, and difficulties with urination and childbirth. It can also lead to significant psychological harm, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). FGM can negatively impact a person’s sexual health and pleasure, leading to pain and discomfort during sex and complications during childbirth.
The practice is a violation of human rights and often performed on children who are not old enough to give informed consent. For these reasons, FGM is widely recognized as a harmful cultural practice that should be eliminated. As mentioned before, FGM is recognized as a violation of human rights and is illegal in many countries. However, the practice continues in many communities, and efforts to end it must be culturally sensitive and involve education and awareness-raising about the harmful effects of FGM. It is crucial to involve local communities, religious leaders, and healthcare providers in efforts to end the practice. These efforts must be culturally sensitive and involve education and awareness-raising about the harmful effects of FGM.
There are several things YOU AND I can do to raise awareness about FGM:
- Educate yourself: Read up on the topic to understand what FGM is, why it is harmful, and where it is practiced. This will help you speak knowledgeably about the issue and answer questions others may have.
- Talk to others: Start a conversation about FGM with your family, friends, and colleagues. This can help raise awareness and encourage others to take action. You can also bring up the issue with community and religious leaders to help raise awareness in those groups.
- Use social media: Share information about FGM on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Use hashtags to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Join a campaign or organization: Join a local or international campaign or organization working to end FGM. This can provide opportunities to volunteer, fundraise, and engage with others who are passionate about the issue.
- Donate: Support organizations that work to end FGM by making a donation or fundraising for them.
Raising awareness about FGM is crucial in the effort to end the practice. By taking action and speaking out, YOU and I can help make a difference and support those affected by FGM. It is reality for many young girls in Africa and more needs to be done to protect these girls against such harmful cultural practices. Let us stand together to end this cycle of abuse in our African communities.
