Orchids have often been labeled as delicate and fragile house plants that cannot survive on their own, but
this perception could not be further from the truth. Despite their velvety petals, delicate stems, and
elongated leaves appearance, orchids have been known to
thrive in even the harshest environments.
In the untamed wilderness, orchids have been known to attach their roots on tree branches, or grow in
crevices of rugged rocks. Just as orchids defy the odds and flourish in the most challenging of
environments, so too do survivors of
female genital mutilation (FGM).
The World Health Organization defines FGM as, "all procedures involving partial or total removal of the
female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons."
According to the United Nations Children's Fund, at least 200 million individuals living today have undergone
FGM. While a study by the University of Birmingham and Exeter estimates over 44,000 women and girls die each
year because of the procedure.
The World Health Organization classified FGM into four categories based on the extent of the practice
involved.
Type 1, also known as clitoridectomy, involves the removal of part or all of the clitoris.
Type 2,
referred to as excision, entails the removal of part or all of the clitoris and the inner labia, with or
without the removal of the labia majora, the larger outer lips.
Type 3, known as infibulation, narrows the vaginal opening by creating
a seal formed through cutting and repositioning the labia.
Meanwhile, type 4 encompasses other harmful
procedures inflicted on female genitals, including pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping, or burning the
area.
Unlike circumcision, there is no medical reason for the excision and actual removal of female genital organs.
The practice has been known to cause severe bleeding and problems urinating, as well as complications in
childbirt and increased risk of newborn deaths.
Each type of FGM represents a grave violation of human rights and can result in significant physical and
psychological harm.
While several countries have banned the practice of female genital mutilation, it remains prevalent in
31 countries as of 2023. This includes countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Arab States.
Cultural and social factors play a key role in the prevalence of FGM. According to the World Health
Organization, the practice is often considered an important part in raising a female child as it controls
sexual urges.
The practice has also been a long-standing tradition when it comes to preparing the individual for marriage
as it promotes premarital virginity and marital fidelity.
Religion also plays a role in the practice of FGM, particularly among Muslims. While the practice is not
required by most forms of Islam and fatwas have been issued to forbid the practice, other versions of
Islamic jurisprudence considers the practice obligatory.
Such is the practice in Indonesia, where half of the girl population have undergone some form of FGM. The
"symbolic cutting" typically takes place soon after the baby is born during which the clitoris of the baby
is scraped or touched with the purpose of drawing several drops of blood.
Attitudes around female genital mutilation vary in each country where it is practiced based on UNICEF data.
For instance in countries with a higher prevalence of FGM such as Somalia, Mali, and Indonesia less than 20%
of girls and boys who participated in the survey oppose the harmful practice.
Meanwhile, more countries in South Africa have shifted their views on FGM. More than 80% of girls and boys
who
participated in the survey oppose the harmful practice.
FGM is a deeply rooted cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
It is
a
violation of
human rights and has no health benefits. The movement of zero tolerance of female
genital
mutilation
continues.
Starting with a prevalence of 48% among girls aged 15 to 19 in 1991, there has been
notable
progress
in
global efforts to combat this harmful practice, with prevalence declining to 28% by
2021.
While there is still much work to be done, these statistics offer hope for a future where
every
girl
can grow
up free from the threat of female genital mutilation, ensuring their right to bodily
integrity
and
well-being.
