FEMALE GENITAL

MUTILATION (FGM)

A procedure that involves the “partial or total removal of

the external female genitalia or other injury to the
female genital organs for non-medical reasons”- WHO
 TYPES OF FGM
• BASICALLY OF 4 TYPES

• 1. UNALTERED FEMALE GENITALIA: aka clitoridectomy

 this is the partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of
the female genitals), and in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin
surrounding the clitoris).
• 2. EXCISION:
 this is the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora (the inner folds
of the vulva), with or without excision of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of
the vulva).
• 3. INFIBULATION: the most severe form of FGM
 this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal.
The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora,
sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoris (clitoridectomy).
• 4. All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for
example: pricking, pulling, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization.
 CEDAW

• Includes female genital mutilation as a practice which fits into definition of

discrimination against women: “any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the
basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition,
enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of
equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field.”

• Article 2(f) requires states to “take all appropriate measures, including legislation, to
modify or abolish existing laws, regulations, customs and practices which constitute
discrimination against women.”
• First time CEDAW General Recommendation No. 14 recognized the practice of
“Female Circumcision” and recommended the state parties to:
 take appropriate and effective measures with a view to eradicating the practice of
female circumcision;
 to include appropriate strategies aimed at eradicating female circumcision in
national health policies
 invite assistance, information and advice from the appropriate organizations of the
United Nations system to support and assist efforts being deployed to eliminate
harmful traditional practices
 include information about measures taken to eliminate female circumcision in their
reports to CEDAW Committee.
 CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF THE
CHILD (CRC)

• The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) underscores the importance
of ensuing protection and care for children and recognizes the responsibility
of state parties in this regard (Article 3). The CRC also established the “best
interests of the child” standard in addressing the rights of children (Article 3)
as well as autonomy related to their evolving capacity. FGM is recognized as
a violation of that best interest standard and a violation of children’s rights.
The CRC mandates states to abolish “traditional practices prejudicial to the
health of children.” (Article 24 (3)).
 WHO GUIDELINES ON THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH
COMPLICATIONS FROM FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (2016)