FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Egypt: Eradicating a Local Tradition through Global Intervention Strategies



Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM) or circumcision of women is a partial or total removal of the clitoris. It has been practiced for religious reasons or aesthetic among certain peoples of Africa. In extreme cases, FGM involves the removal of the clitoris, labia and vaginal skin from the walls, at least partially, the entrance to the vagina. Leaving only a small opening allows the escape of urine and menstrual blood. Approximately 72% of girls and women between 15 and 30 years in Egypt undergo female genital mutilation (FGM). An international child protection plan presented in the Egypt for 30 years, warning that the practice still has a particular impact on rural South of the country with the highest rates of illiteracy and poverty. The custom of FGM has been found out across the globe, but it is largely widespread in 28 African countries and a number of Middle Eastern and Asian countries. Egypt has one of the highest numbers of women who have been circumcised. Therefore, there is a need to propose a global intervention strategy to eradicate this tradition. Female genital mutilation of any form is a human rights violation, particularly, a violation of the rights of the child; the right to freedom; the right to life; and the right to non-discrimination. In addition, FGM is a violation of the right of an individual to the utmost possible condition of health, since it harms normal genitals and can result in fatal psychological and physical problems for women. This paper highlighted the current situation of FGM in the world particularly in Egypt where the rate is higher. In this paper female genital mutilation (FGM) is argued as a more of a cultural practice than ...