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.
The fact that there are no health benefits of FGM, but harm cannot be overemphasized.
World Health Organization states that FGM victims run the immediate risk of haemorrhage, excruciating pain, fever, genital tissue swelling, infections like tetanus, urinary problems, problems with wound healing, shock, and death.
Due to their lack of knowledge about the effects of the act, girls and women who undergo FGM run a higher risk of developing accumulated life-long health issues that may not be discovered right away after the cut.
The long-term side effects also include a higher risk of complications during childbirth, as well as urinary, vaginal, menstrual, and scar tissue issues. 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 extent, research has unquestionably demonstrated that FGM is only connected to endangering the well-being of women and girls, with consequences that may last a lifetime.
Therefore, it is urgent to step up efforts to end FGM, educate the general public about the health effects of FGM, and provide medical care for women and girls who have undergone FGM.
CFHI through the US Consulate General Small Grant Programme, helped to lessen discriminatory practices in Ngor Okpala community of Imo State. Ten community dialogues were held as part of the Operation-Know-Your-Right Campaign to educate community members about harmful widowhood practices, child marriage, gender preference, land disinheritance, and FGM. Following the conclusion of these dialogues, a community charter was created and signed by the paramount traditional ruler as well as representatives from the villages that make up the town.
CFHI will continue to advocate for the abolition of FGM and all other harmful practices.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday # FGM #EndFGM #WomenHealth #WomenRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality
