The enduring Scars of Female Genital Mutilation: A Global Crisis Demands Action
More than 200 million women and girls worldwide live with the daily consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM), a deeply harmful practice rooted in cultural traditions and societal norms.While most prevalent in Africa and parts of Asia, FGM also occurs in Europe and even within the United States, impacting communities across the globe.
February 6th marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation, a day dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of this harmful practice. Asha Ismail, director of the initiative Save a girl, save a generation, spoke candidly about this global crisis on Spanish radio, sharing her personal experience as a survivor of FGM.
“The damage they do is permanent, it’s a psychological problem that accompanies you throughout your life,” Ismail shared. “But in my case, since I’ve turned it into my activism, I manage it well.”
Ismail’s story highlights the profound and lasting impact of FGM, both physically and psychologically. The practice, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, often without anesthesia or proper medical care, can lead to severe complications including chronic pain, infections, infertility, and even death.
Beyond the immediate physical harm, FGM inflicts deep psychological wounds. Survivors often experience trauma, anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame and violation.
“Overcoming fear is the first link in the chain after the aggression,” Ismail explained.her work focuses on creating safe spaces where women who have undergone FGM can share their experiences and receive support.
“We need psychologists,specialists who can help them with follow-up,” she emphasized. “The problem is that people in my community don’t like to talk to psychologists, so we encourage them to seek other types of therapies that can help them.”
Ismail’s words underscore the critical need for culturally sensitive and accessible mental health services for survivors of FGM.
The Fight Against FGM in the United States
while FGM is less prevalent in the U.S. compared to other parts of the world, it is still a reality for some communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 513,000 women and girls in the U.S. have undergone FGM.The practice is frequently enough linked to immigration from countries where FGM is more common.
In 2013, the U.S.passed the Female Genital Mutilation Act, making it a federal crime to perform FGM on anyone under the age of 18. however, enforcement of this law remains a challenge.
Addressing the Root Causes
Eradicating FGM requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the underlying social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to its persistence.
Education: Raising awareness about the harmful effects of FGM is crucial. Educational programs can empower girls and women to make informed decisions about their bodies and challenge harmful cultural norms.
Empowerment of Women: Promoting women’s rights and economic opportunities can help break the cycle of poverty and dependence that often contributes to FGM.
Community Engagement: Working with community leaders and religious figures can help change attitudes and behaviors towards FGM.
Legal Protection: Strengthening laws and ensuring their effective enforcement are essential to deterring FGM and protecting survivors.
* Healthcare Access: Providing thorough healthcare services, including mental health support, to survivors of FGM is crucial for their physical and emotional well-being.
The fight against FGM is a fight for human rights and gender equality. It is indeed a fight that demands our collective attention, action, and commitment. By working together, we can create a world where all girls and women are free from the threat of this harmful practice.
Breaking the Silence: A Conversation on Female Genital mutilation
Time.news editor: Asha, thank you for joining us today to discuss this critical issue. For our readers who may not be familiar, can you explain what Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is and why it’s such a pressing global concern?
Asha Ismail: thank you for having me. FGM is a deeply harmful practice involving the partial or total removal of external female genitalia. It’s often performed on young girls without anesthesia or proper medical care, leading to severe physical and psychological consequences.
It’s a global crisis as it affects over 200 million women and girls worldwide, primarily in Africa and parts of Asia, but also in Europe and even the United States. It’s rooted in harmful cultural traditions and societal norms that need to be challenged.
Time.news Editor: Your own experience as a survivor of FGM has fueled your activism. Can you share a bit about your journey and how it has shaped your work with “Save a Girl, Save a Generation”?
Asha Ismail: The damage from FGM is permanent, both physically and psychologically. It’s a wound that stays with you throughout your life. For me, turning my experience into activism has been a way to heal and empower myself.
“Save a Girl, Save a Generation” is dedicated to creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories, receive support, and access the resources they need. We also work to raise awareness and advocate for change within communities.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the psychological impact of FGM. Can you elaborate on the long-term mental health consequences survivors often face?
Asha Ismail: Survivors often experience trauma, anxiety, depression, and feelings of shame and violation. Overcoming fear is the first step in healing. We need to provide culturally sensitive mental health services that address these specific needs.
Time.news Editor: What are some of the biggest challenges in addressing FGM, notably in the United States where it’s less prevalent but still a reality for some communities?
Asha Ismail: One challenge is the cultural sensitivity required.We need to approach this issue with respect for different cultures while firmly condemning the practice.
Another challenge is the lack of awareness.Many people are unaware that FGM is happening in their communities.We need to educate ourselves and others about the harmful effects of this practice.
Time.news Editor: What are some practical steps individuals can take to help combat FGM?
Asha Ismail: Educate yourself about FGM and its consequences. Speak out against it whenever you encounter it. Support organizations working to end FGM. Advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect girls and women.
Time.news Editor: Asha, what message do you have for the girls and women who have experienced FGM?
Asha Ismail: You are not alone. Your experiences are valid, and you deserve support and healing. There are people who care about you and want to help.