What is FGM?
Female Genital mutilation (FGM) is a non medical practice of partial or total removal of the external female genitals. This form of barbaric circumcision has been scientifically proven to be unmerited. The Reasons to justify the genital mutilation is wrapped in the cloth of traditional and cultural identity, however the fabric of human rights and the wellbeing of our women eradicated this primitive act.
The surgical procedure is performed by elderly people in the community; majority but not exclusively by women. The task is also carried out by either a female relative of the family: traditional midwives, tribal and holistic health practitioners, barbers and clinical doctors. Prior to the circumcision, a fee is required by the surgeon, from the family. FGM is usually performed without anaesthetic and under catastrophic hygienic circumstances. Knives, scissors, razor blades or pieces of broken glass are used as instruments among others
We at Celestinecelest community, are obligated to inform and teach all communities about the effects and the consequence of Female genital mutilation. This page is designed to serve those who are seeking knowledge and understanding about FGM.
source: www.dofeve.org
Clitoridectomy: 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).This practice is extremely painful and distressing, damages sexually sensitive skin and is an infection risk.
Type 1: Clitoridectomy
Type 2: Exercision
Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are the ‘lips’ that surround the vagina). This practice is extremely painful and distressing, damages sexually sensitive skin and is an infection risk.
source: www.dofeve.org
Type 3: Unclassified
Unclassifed: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, stretching and cauterising the clitoris and the surrounding tissue. Scraping the tissue surrounding opening of the vigina..
source: www.dofeve.org
source: www.dofeve.org
Type 4: Infibulation
Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and sewing over the outer, labia, with or without removal of theclitoris or inner labia.
This practice is extremely painful and distressing, damages sexually sensitive skin and is an on-going infection risk. The closing over of the vagina and the urethra leaves women with a very small opening in which to pass urine and menstrual fluid. The opening can be so small that it needs to be cut open to be able to have sexual intercourse. Cutting is also needed to give birth and can cause complications which harm both mother and baby.