Female Genital Mutilation and Social Work Interventions
Female Genital Mutilation and Social Work Interventions
- Suresh JungariSuresh JungariInternational Institute for Population Sciences
Summary
Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This coercive practice is prevalent in many parts of the world and is found in developed and developing countries. However, FGM is more prevalent in African countries and some Asian countries. Substantial evidence shows that FGM has no health benefits; it is mainly governed by community traditions and cultures and is carried out on girls before they reach the age of 15. FGM practice has continued because of social, cultural, and religious beliefs and strong norms that produce gender inequality. The practice of FGM can cause severe bleeding, infections, psychological illness, and infertility; most importantly, it can lead to severe consequences during childbirth. FGM is a practice that violates the human and reproductive rights of women. Legal and social interventional efforts should be directed to curb the practice as soon as possible to mitigate the devastating consequences of FGM. Efforts in educating communities and empowering women could be sustainable solutions.
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Subjects
- International and Global Issues