6 February 2026 marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), also called “female genital cutting”, a useless and painful practice still used in various countries in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
This terrifying practice is considered a ‘social norm’ in those culture that perform it, but is considered a human right violation and treated as a global concern by the World Health Organisation. Still, it continues to be practiced, leaving young girls with trauma, pain, and severe and long-lasting health issues. For these reasons, it needs to be stopped immediately.
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
FGM is practiced on young women between infancy and age 15, making it a result of deeply-rooted gender inequality in our societies. FGM is the result of discrimination against women, girls, and their bodies. It is estimated by the WHO that 230 million survivors exist worldwide, with around 4 million affected every year that passes.
Various types of this practice exist. Ranging from ‘superficial’ procedures like scraping, piercing, incising the genital area, to total removal of the labia minora and the narrowing of the vaginal opening, FGM is cruel and totally unnecessary. It has no health benefits, but results in terrible consequences.
Not only does FGM violates the victim’s health, security and physical integrity, but leaves them in constant pain for life. Complications of the procedure include:
- Severe pain
- Excessive bleeding
- Genital tissue swelling
- Infections
- Urinary problems
- Shock
- And even death.
While the long-term complications are even worse, according to the WHO:
- urinary problems
- vaginal problems, e.g. infections
- menstrual problems, e.g. painful menstruations
- sexual problems, e.g. painful menstruations
- increased risk of childbirth complications and newborn deaths
- need for later surgeries
- psychological problems
This is why the WHO considers FGM torture: this cruel practice has nothing to do with the girls’ health, but is all about control over their young bodies. It is also practices in parts of the world where women’s rights are disregarded, making this practice unavoidable at times, leaving the girls with no choice and rights over their own bodies.
Eliminating FGM: the need to empower women with structural change
Eliminating female genital mutilation is not an easy task, and can’t be achieved in a day. Ending FGM is a big effort, supported by different organisations worldwide. UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF are just three of the establishments that supported the Eliminating Female genital mutilation An interagency statement, a renewal of the 1997 Joint Statement on Female Genital Mutilation.
In this statement, the efforts to end FGM are renewed, repeating how this practice is a human right violation. To take action against FGM is fundamental and time-sensitive. The WHO stresses the importance of educating women to empower them and making them understand their rights.
Since FGM is rooted in gender inequality, empowering women is the first step for them to recognise their rights and their autonomy over their own body. Providing an education to young girls in the countries where FGM is still used, can serve the purpose of them reclaiming their rights, learning about their reproductive health choices, and ultimately contributing to the abandonment of the practice.
In many contexts, FGM persists due to intense social pressure, lack of access to education, and structural gender inequality. Women and girls who try to oppose this practice often face exclusion, violence, or loss of social support, making resistance extremely difficult. Female genital mutilation is part of their customs and traditions, which are difficult to abandon, especially in secluded communities. But for the sake of “culture”, young girls keep suffering around the world, without someone to help them. They are left alone against a fate they didn’t ask for and don’t even desire.
Fighting against gender based violence is necessary for all women and girls around the world. Many organisation over the world fight for women and girls that are subject to this practice. Amref Health Africa is one of them: their mission is to bring long-lasting, structural change to the healthcare system in Africa, also including the health of women and girls. Little steps like community-led changes make the word a better place.
You can even join us at Eduxo to stay updated on women’s rights and to fight with us!