International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

Image:Feminist.org

FGM is a practice that is deeply rooted in culture, and several scholars have associated this action to a high maternal death rate (Paul, 1993; Marchie and Anyanwu, 2009; Lawani, 2014). There are 4 types of FGM: type 1 involves the removal of the prepuce with partial or full excision of the clitoris; type 2 involves removal of the clitoris and prepuce in addition with the partial or full removal of the labia minora; type 3 involves removal of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching of the vaginal opening (infibulation); and type 4 involves all other procedures, for example, pricking and piercing (Gruenbaum, 2001; Rouzi et al., 2001).

FGM is identified as a risk factor for haemorrhage, and a reason for common early complication in circumcised pregnant women (Toubia, 1994; Dare et al., 2004; Mandara, 2004; Olusegun et al., 2012).

I join the global community in commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation & Cutting, and to build a bridge between Africa and the world, geared towards accelerating an end to FGM&C by 2030.