International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023 is 6 February. At least 200 million girls and women may experience long-term complications from FGM.

Theme

What is the theme of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation?International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023

In International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: Ending Female Genital Mutilation By 2030 — Men End FGM — #MenEndFGM the United Nations (UN) elaborate on:

“This year, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: Delivering the Global Promise launched the 2023 theme; “Partnership with Men and Boys to transform Social and gender Norms to End FGM””.

Female Genital Mutilation

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

In International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: Ending Female Genital Mutilation By 2030 the UN’s definition is:

“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women”.

In Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) explain:

“It’s also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as Sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others”.

200+ Million Girls and WomenInternational Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023

How common is FGM?

In Female Genital Mutilation, last modified January 2023, UNICEF note:

“Despite being internationally recognized as a human rights violation, FGM has been performed on at least 200 million girls and women in 31 countries across three continents, with more than half of those subjected living in Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia”.

Long Term Complications

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023What can long-term complications of FGM include?

In Female Genital Mutilation: No Health Benefits, Only Harm, dated 31 January 2023, the WHO elaborate on:

“Long-term complications can include:

  • Urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections);
  • Vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections);
  • Menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.);
  • Scar tissue and keloid;
  • Sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.);
  • Increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths;
  • Need for later surgeries: for example, the sealing or narrowing of the vaginal opening (type 3) may lead to the practice of cutting open the sealed vagina later to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth (deinfibulation). Sometimes genital tissue is stitched again several times, including after childbirth, hence the woman goes through repeated opening and closing procedures, further increasing both immediate and long-term risks; and
  • Psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc)”.

Health Care Provider

What if I am worried about something down there?

If you are worried about something – anything – down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health explain:

“If you are worried about the odour of your vulva and vagina, and/or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful urination, see your doctor”.

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Last Updated: 23 February 2023 – Last Revised: 01 February 2023