International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation - what is FGM?

Trigger warning: This article contains information that some readers may find distressing.

The 6th February marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

FGM is a global problem and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women and girls. The practice violates the right to health, security and physical integrity. It violates the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. And, when the procedure results in death, it violates the right to life.

Although Embrace does not work with any projects solely dedicated to combatting FGM, a number of our partners in Egypt include FGM prevention and education in their programmes and work with survivors on a regular basis, so we often see the horrendous impact of this harmful practice. 

What is FGM? 

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful traditional practice involving the cutting or removal of the external female genitalia. FGM comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

The practice has existed for more than 2,000 years and can be performed on girls from birth up to just before marriage and occasionally beyond. Traditionally it is carried out by elders in a community, although more recently a significant proportion of procedures have been carried out by trained medical professionals. Other terms for FGM include ‘female circumcision’ or ‘cutting’. FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. 

The World Health Organisation classifies FGM into four types – click here if you wish to read more about these; be aware that you may find some of the details distressing.

FGM harms girls and women in many ways and has no health benefits. Removing and damaging healthy genital tissue interferes with the natural function of women’s and girls’ bodies. In some cases FGM can kill, but in all cases there is risk of health complications, which can be long term. These include chronic pain, infection, scarring, sexual dysfunction, mental health problems, and increased chance of complications in childbirth.  

Where is FGM practiced – is it a problem in the Middle East? 

FGM is known to be practiced in 28 countries, mainly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Countries include Egypt and Iraq, both places where Embrace works with women and girls. Globally, over 200 million women and girls are affected by FGM.   

In Egypt, 87.2% of women and girls aged 15-49 have experienced FGM; due to its large population this means that Egypt has the greatest number of women and girls who have experienced FGM of any country in the world. It is practiced by both Christians and Muslims and it is more prevalent in rural than urban areas. There are indications that the practice is gradually declining, but there is still a long way to go before it is eradicated.

You can find more information on where FGM is practiced here.  

Why is FGM practiced?  

The reasons why female genital mutilation is performed vary from one region to another and include a mix of factors within families and communities. The most cited reasons are: 

• Societal pressure to conform to the social norms for fear of being rejected by the community. In some communities, FGM is almost universally practiced and is not questioned. FGM is often considered an essential part of preparing a girl for womanhood and marriage.

• Beliefs around female sexuality and acceptable sexual behaviour. FGM often aims to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity as it is believed to reduce a woman’s libido.

• In some communities, being ‘cut’ is thought to increase marriageability due to beliefs that the removal of some body parts is necessary for cleanliness, modesty and femininity.

It is important to note that no religious texts prescribe the practice of FGM. However, some practitioners believe it has religious support. Religious leaders take varying approaches to FGM – some promote it, but others campaign for its elimination. Local community and religious leaders play an important role in either upholding or eliminating the practice.  

In many communities where FGM is prevalent, it is considered a cultural tradition, which is often used as an argument in favour of its continuation.

How does Embrace work with FGM survivors? 

As FGM is widespread in Egypt, especially in more rural areas, many of our partners include the topic in their health education work. Most women report believing that it’s just part of life, and it’s a religious requirement to keep women clean. However, once they have the health problems explained more clearly, many of them decide not to have FGM carried out on their daughters. 

Our partner BLESS, which is part of the Coptic Orthodox Church, has been involved in promoting campaigns at a national level against FGM, including developing resources supported by the Coptic Orthodox Pope speaking out against the practice. 

Refuge Egypt, which supports refugees in Cairo, often treats pregnant women who have experienced FGM, and provides specific support and care for them at their antenatal clinics.