“I could barely walk after the cut. My mother and the old woman who helped to hold me down during the process tried to help me up but I collapsed. I almost bled to death”.
~ FGM Survivor
Today’s speak Wednesday addresses how FGM threatens the health of women and girls.
According to World Health Organization, female genital mutilation comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injuries to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is mostly carried out by traditional practitioners. In several settings, there is evidence suggesting a heightened involvement of healthcare providers in performing FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized.
The fact that there are no health benefits of FGM, but harm cannot be overemphasized.
WHO is of the view that victims of FGM face the immediate risk of haemorrhage, severe pain, fever, genital tissue swelling, infections e.g., tetanus, genital tissue swelling, urinary problems, wound healing problems, shock, and death.
Girls and women who undergo FGM face a heightened risk of accumulated life-long health challenges which may not be detected on time after the cut due to their ignorance of the consequences of the act.
Equally, the long-term complications include urinary problems, vaginal problems, menstrual problems, scar tissue and keloid, sexual problems increased risk of childbirth complications etc.
It is pertinent to note that all forms/types of FGM can result in either immediate or long-term health complications, and a victim can suffer more than one complication.
To this degree, research has undoubtedly proved that FGM is only associated with endangering the well-being of women and girls whose effects could be suffered in a lifetime.
There is therefore an urgent need to increase the advocacy to end FGM, enlighten the entire populace about the health complications of FGM and provide free medical care for women and girls living with FGM.
In commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative visited St. Theresa Catholic Church, Amurie Omanze in Isu LGA of Imo State to educate over 60 women on the dangers of FGM and on how to achieve zero records of FGM in the community.
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #FGM #SayNoToFGM #Women’sRights #Humanrights #RightToGoodHealth
