Note: This blog post’s material may be distressing for some
T.W. Female Genital Mutilation
Welcome to the first post of Wounds of Tradition. This blog is dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The goal of this blog is to provide a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of FGM, advocating for change, and supporting those affected by this practice.
What is FGM and What Are the Different Types?
Female Genital Mutilation, as defined by the World Health Organization, includes procedures that involve the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. There are four types of FGM:
Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.
Excision (Type II): Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora.
Infibulation (Type III): Narrowing of the vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal by cutting and positioning the labia minora and/or the labia majora, with or without removal of the clitoris.
Type IV: Includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes.
What is the Mission?
The mission is dedicated to raising awareness about the serious dangers of FGM and actively supporting global efforts to eradicate this practice. The vision is a future where girls and women are no longer subjected to the horrors of FGM, and where communities are fully educated and empowered to safeguard their rights.
What can you expect from Wounds of Tradition?
This blog will feature a variety of content aimed at raising awareness and providing resources on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Expect to find personal survivor stories, global updates on efforts to eradicate FGM, educational articles covering cultural, health, and legal aspects of FGM, as well as inspiring community spotlights on organizations and individuals actively involved in the fight against FGM.
Thank you for joining on this important journey.
Author’s note: This week I’d like everyone to become familiar with FGM. What it is, why it’s performed, justifications for it, and think about potential solutions for its eradication.
Donate if you can!
Grace is dedicated to supporting girls and women who are escaping gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation (FGM).
Sources-
National FGM Centre. (n.d.). Female genital mutilation (FGM). National FGM Centre. Retrieved from https://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/fgm/
World Health Organization. (5, February 2024) Female genital mutilation. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
UNICEF. (n.d.). Female genital mutilation (FGM). UNICEF. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation
Ontiveros, E. (2019, February 6). What is FGM, where does it happen and why? BBC World. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-47131052
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