There are 1.1 billion young girls worldwide, many of whom face challenges such as child marriage, child poverty, child labour, female genital mutilation and adolescent pregnancies – simply because they’re girls. These unnatural experiences are a violation of their human rights, remove their childhood innocence, and in the worst cases, cause immense pain and sometimes death.
What is FGM?
Female genital mutilation (commonly shortened to FGM) refers to all forms of removing - either partially or completely - the external female genitalia, and to other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This painful procedure, which has no health benefits and is recognised as a human rights violation, can cause life-long consequences including serious pain and bleeding, discomfort or pain while urinating. It can also cause the victim to suffer a higher risk of infections, complications with both sexual pleasure and childbirth, as well as psychological consequences. In some cases, the procedure can even lead to death.
World Vision stands firmly against FGM and works with communities and partner organisations like UNICEF to end FGM and support the rights of women and girls around the world.