What is female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of a girl's external genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is sometimes known as female circumcision, although many communities also use local names such as "tahor" or "sunna".
There are four types of FGM involving removal of different parts of the genitalia or stitching. FGM is performed in many countries as a cultural tradition, a practice passed on from mother to daughter for generations. It is practiced in more than 28 African countries, parts of the Middle East and South East Asia. It also occurs in Europe, the US, and other countries where migrants from FGM-affected communities live. The practice is illegal in the UK and is considered child abuse.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
