International Day of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 2025: Why Does It Matter

The first time I ever heard of ‘Female Genital Mutilation’ was when I watched ‘Desert Flower’ – a movie that uncovers the harsh reality of this unethical and cruel practice, which has scarred the lives of countless women over the years. You might believe that it only happens in Africa or that it's a thing of the past, but Genital Mutilation is still prevalent and surprisingly in India as well. 

A Unicef article published in 2024 suggests “230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone some form of female genital mutilation (FGM) – many before the age of 15.”  

On the ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance For Female Genital Mutilation’, let’s understand 'What is female genital mutilation? Why is it practiced in certain communities? And why should it be banned?' 

What Is Female Genital Mutilation?

FGM is a form of mutilation that involves altering, or even injuring, the external female genitalia, without any underlying medical reason. This may involve:

Clitoridectomy - This involves the removal of prepuce, i.e. the skin that sits over the clitoris. It may also involve the partial or complete removal of clitoris.

Clitoridectomy & Circumcision - This involves the removal of the entire clitoris. The inner lips, also called labia minora, may also be removed. 

Infibulation or Pharaonic circumcision - In this case, the inner and outer lips, i.e.labia minora and labia majora are removed partially or completely followed by stitching of the vagina. A tiny opening is left for allowing the urine and menstrual blood to pass . 

Female genital mutilation may also involve other painful techniques like cauterising, scraping, scarring using corrosive agents and piercing.The procedure is often done in a very unhygienic setting, by untrained midwives using regular blades and knives. FGM is often done when the girl child is below 15 years of age. The procedure is done without the use of anaesthesia and what makes it even more dangerous is that there is no proper post-cut care for young girls, which increases the likelihood of serious infections.

Internationally it is a violation of the human rights of girls and women and hence needs to be banned from the world. However, there are certain communities where the practice is still legal. The United Nations, along with other bodies is working diligently to create awareness amongst societies practicing it and the general public.

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Female Genital Mutilation In India

In India, FGM (also called khatna) remained a dark secret for years, until the victim of this cruel practice decided to speak up. 

Masooma Ranalvi, a Delhi-based publisher and activist filed an online petition against FGM along with 17 other women who had been subjected to this torment. For years, she had no clue about what was done to her and why 

“My mum told me ‘Come, I’ll take you out and buy you chocolates.’ I happily went with her. She took me to Bohri Mohalla (in Mumbai), a cluster where 90% of Bohras live. We went into this dark decrepit building. I remember being taken into a room. The curtains were drawn. She said 'Lie down.' Like an obedient child, I lay. My grandmother was holding my hands. An oldish woman pulled down my pants… I started crying. Grandmom said don’t worry, it will be over in a jiffy. I shrieked in pain… I experienced a sharp, shooting pain and she put some black powder there… I came home and cried and cried and cried...” she recalled.

Another victim shared, “I support the fight against FGM. I don’t think I ever enjoyed sex in my marriage. I often wonder what it would have been like if I hadn’t been cut. The sad part is I will never know.”

Bollywood Actress Nushrat Bharucha has openly talked about genital mutilation in Females. Although she wasn’t mutilated, her mother Tasneem was. The whole family, now, stands strong against the practice. 

What Are The Risk Of Female Genital Mutilation?

As discussed above there can be numerous risks for young girls. Some of them are listed below.

1. Increased bleeding, leading to severe blood loss and death in some cases

2. Chances of septic in the area

3. Infertility

4. Cysts

5. Difficulty in childbirth and death of newborn

6. Frequent urinary tract infections

7. Difficulty in sitting and standing for too long

8. Difficulty in passing urine and motion as well

Why Is Female Genital Mutilation Done?

In most of the communities, the reason for female genital mutilation is as follows.

1. Dominance over women

2. To curb women’s sexual desires

3. To stop women from straying away from marriage

Why Should Female Genital Mutilation Not Be Encouraged?

Female genital mutilation is a violation of the basic human rights of a girl/woman. It is not only a violation of human rights but also a violation of dignity, the right to a healthy life, and the right to be free from torture including cruel and inhuman treatment. 

How Can You Create Awareness About Female Genital Mutilation In The Society?

Since it is a deep-rooted and age-old practice, the awareness needs a coordinated, and systematic effort and planning before it can make its mark in the minds of societies practicing it as well as the general public. But, to start with, here are some ways you can take to create awareness at your level.

1. Initiate a dialogue: Talk about Female Genital Mutilation amongst your friends and community. Spread the word about it on social media platforms.

2. Share videos of victims: Some of the victims have shown courage and come forward to reveal their stories. Share their story on your blog, and social media profiles and spread awareness.

3. Watch out for signs that are out of the ordinary: If you see a girl or a woman showing signs of difficulty in sitting, walking, or standing then you should gently coax her to tell you what happened and take required actions immediately by spreading the word on social media but keeping the identity anonymous.

4. Address sexual and reproductive health of a woman: While talking about Female Genital Mutilation, one should also talk about the repercussions of FGM on a woman’s sexual and reproductive health so that the societies practicing it become aware that they are putting their unborn children at risk.

Did you find the blog on Female Genital Mutilation resourceful? Do you know someone who has gone through this or may have to go through FMG? Please share your thoughts and views in the comments section below, as we would love to hear from you.