International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Content warning: the following post contains descriptions of and information about sexual violence.
In 2012, the United Nations designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts to eliminate this practice. Together, we can eliminate female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) by 2030. Doing so will have a positive ripple effect on the health, education, and economic advancement of girls and women.
In honor of this important mission, we are kicking off a series of three blog posts about FGM/C today. In this first post, we will be defining FGM/C and sharing facts and resources to help spread awareness of the causes, nature, and responses to FGM/C. Over the coming weeks, we will also share the story of a survivor we have served, and share more information on what US Together does to support victims.
What is FGM/C?
According to the United Nations:
“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women.”
Watch the video below from Global Citizen for a comprehensive overview of FGM/C:
Why does FGM/C occur?
FGM/C can happen for a variety of reasons, and is not associated with any one major religion (contrary to popular belief). The most common reason is social acceptability among cultures and communities that practice FGM/C. Other reasons include a belief in FGM/C as a rite of passage, as a condition of marriage, or as a religious duty. However, no major religion’s holy texts require FGM/C.
What are the risks of FGM/C?
The Office on Women’s Health, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, identifies the following as serious risks associated with cutting:
· Problems going to the bathroom
· Tetanus and other infectious diseases
· Death
· Problems having sex
· Severe pain
· Serious bleeding
· Infection of the wound
· Trauma
· Depression and anxiety
Health care providers can see a PDF containing slides from the World Health Organization here about what to do if asked to perform FGM/C on a client, and how to treat potential victims.
Where does FGM/C occur?
Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East, anyone in the world can be at risk. In fact, according to the Population Reference Bureau, more than half a million women and girls in the United States are considered “at risk” for FGM/C. In their list of the Top 10 Metropolitan Areas for risk, the Bureau listed Columbus, OH as the seventh highest.
Is FGM/C Legal?
FGM/C has been illegal under federal law since 1996, and in 2019, it was made illegal in Ohio. Click here to read the official text of the law.
Where can I go for help if I am a victim, potential victim, or know someone who may be at risk for FGM/C?
· Call this tip line (from US or Canada): 1-866-347-2423, or email HRV.ICE@ice.dhs.gov
· National Child Abuse Hotline 24/7: 1-800-4-A-Child
· Click the following links for translated resources from the US Department of State: Amharic, Arabic, French, Somali, Swahili, English, Bahasa, Tigrinya.
What can our community do to prevent FGM/C?
Normalize speaking up about female genital mutilation and cutting. It’s not an easy topic to talk about, but it’s critically important that we do. It takes all of our voices to prevent this, including men. Acknowledging the reality of FGM/C—especially that it happens here in Ohio—is imperative. No matter how we tell these stories, even if it’s through TV shows (like this episode of The Good Doctor), they need to be told.
Want to get involved on social media? The hashtags #endFGM and #Act2EndFGM are part of the official campaign from the United Nations.
This post was produced by US Together, Inc. under 2020-V3-GX-K004, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Program, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this post are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.