Female Genital Mutilation: Why Is It Still a Major Health Problem?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) remains a major health problem because millions of girls still face this harmful practice. It can cause severe pain, bleeding, infections, and long-term health problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 230 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation. The practice has no health benefits. Most cases involve girls under 15 years old.
Despite laws, education, and public awareness campaigns, the practice continues in many communities around the world. Understanding why it persists is important for protecting girls and supporting survivors.
What Is Female Genital Mutilation?
Female genital mutilation involves removing or injuring parts of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
It is often performed on young girls who cannot give informed consent. Some procedures involve cutting healthy tissue, while others cause more extensive injury.
The effects vary depending on the type of cutting and the care received. However, no form of female genital mutilation is medically necessary or safe.
Why Is Female Genital Mutilation Still Practiced?
Cultural beliefs and social pressure
In some communities, families see FGM as a traditional step into adulthood. Others believe it prepares girls for marriage or helps protect family honour.
Parents may fear that their daughters will face rejection if they refuse the practice. Even families who want to stop may feel pressure to follow community expectations.
For example, a mother may oppose FGM but fear that her daughter will be excluded from important community events. This pressure can make change difficult.
Myths about religion and purity
Some people believe FGM is required by religion or helps control a girl's sexuality. However, FGM is not required by Islam or Christianity.
These beliefs can continue when people have limited access to accurate health information. Community education can help families question harmful ideas without disrespecting their cultural identity.
Limited access to education and health services
Girls may have fewer opportunities to learn about their rights and health risks in some areas. Families may also lack access to trained health workers who can provide accurate information.
Poverty, conflict, and weak protection systems can make it harder to protect girls at risk.
Weak enforcement of laws
Many countries have laws against FGM, but the practice may continue in private settings. Families may also travel to other areas to avoid detection.
Laws are important, but they work best alongside education, community support, and protection for girls.
How Does Female Genital Mutilation Affect Health?
Female genital mutilation can cause immediate and lasting harm.
Short-term effects include:
- Severe pain and heavy bleeding.
- Wound infections and difficulty urinating.
- Shock and, in severe cases, death.
Long-term effects may include:
- Ongoing pain, scars, and cysts.
- Menstrual and sexual health problems.
- Anxiety, depression, and trauma.
- Greater risks of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Research reviewed by the WHO has linked FGM to serious childbirth complications, including prolonged labour and heavy bleeding. The level of risk can vary depending on the type of FGM and other health factors.
For example, a woman who experienced FGM as a child may later need additional medical support during childbirth. Her care should depend on her individual needs, not assumptions about every survivor.
Female Genital Mutilation: What Can Help End It?
Ending female genital mutilation requires action from families, communities, health workers, and governments.
Schools can teach children about bodily rights and health. Community leaders can challenge harmful beliefs and support families who choose not to practice FGM.
Health workers should explain the risks clearly and provide confidential, respectful care to survivors. Performing FGM in a medical setting does not make it safe.
Governments must enforce protective laws and ensure girls can report threats without fear. Men and boys also have an important role in changing beliefs and supporting girls' rights.
Progress is possible. According to UNICEF, several countries have made progress in reducing FGM through education, community action, and stronger protection. However, progress remains uneven, and many girls are still at risk.
The Bottom Line
Female genital mutilation remains a major health problem because social pressure, harmful beliefs, and gaps in protection allow it to continue.
It has no health benefits and can cause lifelong physical and emotional harm. Ending the practice requires more than laws alone. Families need reliable information, girls need protection, and survivors need compassionate healthcare.
Every girl deserves to grow up safe, healthy, and free from harmful practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is female genital mutilation harmful?
Yes. Female genital mutilation can cause severe pain, bleeding, infections, and emotional trauma. It may also lead to long-term health problems and complications during childbirth. It has no health benefits.
- At what age does female genital mutilation happen?
FGM is often performed on girls between infancy and age 15. However, it can happen at other ages. Because many victims are children, protecting girls and reporting suspected abuse are important.
- Can a woman recover from female genital mutilation?
Yes. Medical care can help manage some physical and emotional effects. Depending on her needs, a survivor may benefit from pain treatment, mental health support, or surgery. However, some injuries cannot be fully reversed.
- Is female genital mutilation required by religion?
No. FGM is not required by Islam or Christianity. It is a practice that continues in some communities through tradition, social pressure, and beliefs about purity or marriage.
- Can female genital mutilation be prevented?
Yes. Education, community support, protective laws, and access to healthcare can help prevent FGM. Families, teachers, health workers, and community leaders all have a role in protecting girls.
