Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM), often referred to a 'female circumcision', comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural, religious or other non-therapeutic reasons.

Type I- excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all of the clitoris;

Type II- excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora;

Type III- excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing of the vaginal opening (infibulation);

Type IV-

pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and or labia; stretching of the clitoris and/or labia; cauterization by burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissue;

scraping of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice (angurya cuts) or cutting of the vagina (gishiri cuts);

introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina to cause bleeding or for the purpose of tightening or narrowing it; and any other procedure that falls under the definition given above.

 

The most common type of female genital mutilation is excision of the clitoris and the labia minora, accounting for up to 80% of all cases; the most extreme form infibulation, which constitutes about 15% of all cases.

The immediate and long-term health consequences of female genitalia mutilation vary according to the type and severity of the procedure performed. Immediate complications include severe pain, shock, hemorrhage, urine retention, ulceration of the genital region and injury to the adjacent tissue. These complications can lead to damage to the urethra resulting in urinary incontinence, dyspareunia (painful sexual intercourse) and sexual dysfunction and difficulties with childbirth. HIV transmission is also possible. In the longer term, woman may suffer feelings of incompleteness, anxiety and depression.

FGM is usually performed by a traditional practitioner with crude instruments and without anesthetic. Among the more affluent in society it may be performed in a health care facility. It is performed on infants a few days old, female children and adolescents and, occasionally, on mature women.

Most of the girls and women who have undergone genital mutilation live in 28 African countries, although some live in Asia and the Middle East. They are also increasingly found in Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA, primarily among immigrants from these countries. Today, the number of the girls and women who have been undergone female genital mutilation is estimated at between 100 and 140 million. It is estimated that each year, a further 2 million girls are at risk of undergoing FGM.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this jewelry will be donated to Tasaru Ntomok Rescue Center.

Here are some links and articles related to Tsaru Ntomok Rescue Center, V-Day, and Femal Genital Mutilation.

V-Day, Kenya

A Safe Haven for Girls Escaping Harm in Kenya

Kenyan Activist Makes Headway in Effort to End Female Genital Mutilation Among Massai Women

V-Day, Until the Violence Stops

Amnesty International