One in Four Instances of FGM Now Conducted by Healthcare Professionals, Warns WHO

Despite global efforts to eradicate it, female genital mutilation (FGM) continues to pose a significant threat to the health and rights of millions of girls. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning: while cases of FGM have declined globally, the alarming trend is that healthcare professionals are increasingly becoming the perpetrators. As of 2020, an estimated 52 million girls and women worldwide—approximately one in four—have faced this harrowing procedure at the hands of those we trust to heal us.

Dr. Pascale Allotey, WHO’s Director for Sexual and Reproductive Health, articulated a bitter truth: “FGM is an egregious violation of girls’ rights and can have devastating consequences on their health, irrespective of the individual performing the act.” This statement underscores a cruel irony; the very institutions designed to protect life can sometimes contribute to its ravaging. In light of these grim realities, WHO has set forth new guidelines, imploring governments, medical professionals, and communities to not only intensify prevention efforts but also to enhance care for survivors.

Consider the juxtaposition: since 1990, the likelihood of a girl undergoing this brutal practice has plummeted by a staggering threefold. Yet in 30 countries, including nations like Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia, the fight is far from over. Every year, approximately four million girls remain at risk of FGM. In these regions, despite notable declines in prevalence among young women, the shadow of this tradition looms large, often masked as a cultural rite rather than a public health crisis.

This brings us to a poignant question—how can we reconcile tradition with the urgent need to protect those who have been marginalized for too long? It’s a delicate path to tread, one that requires sensitivity and understanding. A common refrain among communities that still practice FGM is that it is essential to their cultural identity. But at what cost? Are we truly honoring tradition by inflicting lifelong trauma on our daughters?

In exploring these themes, anecdotal evidence often provides richer insights than statistics alone. There are countless stories of brave women who have emerged from the shadows, sharing personal narratives that can transform hearts and minds. One such tale is that of Amina, a young girl from Somalia. She vividly recalls the day she underwent FGM, surrounded by women who claimed to have her best interests at heart. Yet, what was meant to be a rite of passage turned into a lifelong struggle with physical and emotional scars. “They told me it was for my own good,” Amina remarked years later, resolutely shaking her head. “But what good can come from pain and fear?”

This testimony reminds us that the consequences of FGM are multifaceted, affecting not only the physical body but also the very essence of a woman’s identity. The psychological aftermath can lead to anxiety, depression, and a fractured relationship with one’s body. As healthcare professionals engage in these practices, they unwittingly become complicit in a cycle of harm that perpetuates suffering.

The WHO’s call for improved survivor care is therefore not just a procedural guideline; it is a compassionate plea for humanity. By equipping healthcare systems with the necessary tools and training, we can begin to nurture a new kind of dialogue—one that respects cultural nuances while firmly advocating for the health and rights of women. This approach favors empathy over condemnation, fostering partnerships with communities that can lead to sustainable change.

Moreover, education plays a pivotal role in dismantling the foundations upon which FGM rests. When young girls are empowered with knowledge about their own bodies, they become architects of their own futures. Initiatives that integrate educational programs within schools and communities can spark conversations that challenge the status quo. It’s about creating a ripple effect, igniting a transformation that resonates through generations.

As we navigate this complex landscape, let us remember the words of the late Nobel laureate Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Can we harness this power to ensure that the next generation of girls can dream without the shackles of outdated traditions?

In conclusion, as we confront the grim reality of FGM, we stand at a crossroads. The decline in prevalence is encouraging, yet the work is far from complete. It is imperative that we rally together—governments, communities, and healthcare professionals—to forge a path toward lasting change. Through unwavering commitment to education, survivor care, and compassionate dialogue, we can dismantle this intricate web of harm and emerge victorious in the fight for girls’ rights.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International—Monitoring