
FGM: Female genital mutilation

A new study by the World Health Organization (WHO) has found that almost $1.4 billion needs to be raised each year to cure or treat the effects of FGM (Female Gential Mutilation).
The most important thing about female genital mutilation – FGM in brief:
- Many women affected by destructive surgery
- Consequences catastrophic
- The occasion is a mixture of tradition, rites, myths and archaic conventions
Despite greater awareness of the phenomenon, according to one estimate, over 200 million girls and women are still affected by the cruel, inhumane practice.
Especially since the story of Waris Dirie and the film “Wüstenblume”, which was released in 2009, in which the life of the Austrian model is examined in more detail. Warris was born in Somalia and also underwent the life-threatening practice there.
[mk_ad]
What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation refers to the destructive procedure in which female genitals are partially or completely removed or injured. A distinction is made between three types.
Type 1 involves cutting out the clitoris, Type 2 involves cutting out the clitoris and labia minora, and Type 3 involves cutting out the entire external genitalia and then sewing them together. In the worst case scenario, this only leaves a tiny hole the size of a matchstick in which to urinate.
The worst procedure includes Type 4 , which involves the introduction of additional caustic substances to further narrow the vagina. Victims of this cruel practice are increasingly infants and very young girls; the rule is that the procedure must take place before puberty.
[mk_ad]
The practice is carried out by so-called “circumcisers” who have no or at most rudimentary medical knowledge. The practice is most often carried out by laypeople, with the cuts being made using razor blades, scissors or shards of glass, i.e. tools that must not be used for medical purposes in any way. Poor hygiene due to disinfection or mutilation in dirty places also leads to numerous complications.
The consequences are catastrophic and range from lifelong mental and physical pain to acute infections and fatal surgical outcomes.
One in three women who become victims of female genital mutilation die from the short- or long-term consequences.
Where is FGM performed?
The regions where FGM is used are usually in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
However, cases of immigrants in western countries have also been reported. Every year around 3 million girls fall victim to the cruel practice.
In Europe alone there are around 1 million women who have become victims of FGM. According to an estimate by the women's rights organization Terre de Femmes, 17,700 minors in Germany are at risk of female genital mutilation.
Particularly due to the refugee crisis, treatments for the consequences of FGM have been increasingly carried out in European hospitals.
The doctor Dr. Cornelia Strunz operates on victims of FGM every Wednesday in her practice in Berlin; terminologically, the procedure is called deinfibulation. (more information HERE ). The special feature of the treatment is that it is either covered by health insurance or, for those who are not insured, financed by donations.
Why does this “tradition” exist?
In most cases, the intervention occurs due to social pressure, a mixture of tradition, rites, myths and archaic conventions. Circumcision deprives the woman of female desire and as a result she is unable to experience sexual sensations, let alone an orgasm. The sewing “saves” the woman for the wedding and prevents any prior sexual intercourse. The “highlight” of the practice is the husband piercing the sewn-up vagina on his wedding night, in “milder” cases with a razor blade or cow horn, or in more drastic cases with his penis.
It symbolizes the husband's taking over of the woman and in this context is the inhumane effect of a backward patriarchy.
It is also important to note at this point that FGM is not directly related to any religion; the majority of the Muslim community rejects the practice, as do Christianity and Judaism.
What can be done?
A big step against FGM is only possible through education and legal bans.
The role and value of women in the affected regions must also be strengthened, as well as women's self-image and their right to sexuality and pleasure.
Since it is mainly women who carry out the mutilation, the vicious circle can also be broken at this point.
In Europe, the risk of FGM is not always dealt with confidently and requires further information. The United Nations' goal is to eliminate FGM by 2030 as a sustainable development goal. This includes, above all, the strengthening and further development of the affected regions in order to put a stop to the inhumane practice.
via
Author: Alexander Herberstein; Article image FGM by Marina Kap / Shutterstock.com
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication
.
The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual articles (not fact checks) were created using machine help and
were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )
With your help, you support one of the most important independent sources of information on the subject of fake news and consumer protection in German-speaking countries
Are you concerned about misinformation online? Mimikama is committed to a fact-based and safe internet. Your support allows us to continue to ensure quality and authenticity online. Please support and help us create a trustworthy digital environment. Your support counts! You too can become an ambassador for Mimikama











