About Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It has no health benefits and is internationally recognised as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. FGM affects millions of girls and women worldwide and is practised across diverse cultural, social, and geographic contexts.

Where and why FGM occurs

FGM is practised in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and within diaspora communities globally. The practice is sustained by social norms linked to gender inequality, expectations around marriage, and misconceptions about health, purity, or tradition. Importantly, FGM is not associated with any one religion, and its continuation is often driven by strong social pressure rather than individual choice.

Health and human rights impacts

FGM can result in serious short- and long-term physical and psychological consequences. These may include death, pain, infection, complications during childbirth and emotional trauma. International bodies including the World Health Organization and UNICEF recognise FGM as a harmful practice that violates the rights of girls and women to health, security, bodily integrity, and freedom from violence.

Effective prevention

Research and global evidence consistently show that FGM cannot be ended through enforcement alone. Sustainable change occurs when prevention efforts are:

– Community-led, involving dialogue and trust

– Grounded in education, particularly for girls and families

– Led by local organisations with cultural and contextual knowledge

– Supported over time, rather than through one-off interventions

Evidence highlights the importance of working with community leaders, educators, health professionals, and women’s groups to shift norms and support alternatives.