Save The Girls

It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. Furthermore, there are an estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year. The majority of girls are cut before they turn 15 years old. FGM has been documented in at least 30 countries, mainly in Africa, as well as in the Middle East and Asia. It is also prevalent in diaspora communities around the world.

There are no health benefits to FGM and it causes much harm. Some of the health problems caused include:

• severe loss of blood, pain or shock

• difficulties in urinating or menstruating

• increased risk of bladder infection and HIV

• psychological problems

• issues with sexuality and pain during sex

• complications, and sometimes death,in pregnancy and childbirth

• incontinence due to tears in bladder or rectum (fistula).

Further information on FGM can be found at United Nations Population Fund.

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Why and where does it happen?
FGM is an ancient traditional practice which has been taking place for over 2,000 years and whilst it is not known exactly where and why it first happened it is thought to originate from Sudan/Egypt. It is often mistakenly thought that FGM is performed for religious reasons but it pre-dates the major faiths and is not required by any religion. The reasons why FGM continues today are complex and reflect both the history and current circumstances of the communities in which it takes place. Reasons given for practising FGM include:

• family expectations and to maintain family honour

• tradition and/or religious values

• preservation of virginity and chastity

• community/social acceptance

• cleanliness/hygiene

• preparation of girls for womanhood and to enable them to have a good marriage.