WHAT IS FGM?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure performed on a woman or girl to alter or injure her genitalia for non-medical reasons. It most often involves the partial or total removal of her external genitalia. FGM is a violation of girls’ and women’s fundamental human rights.

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?

Around the world, at least 200 million women and girls alive today are living with the results of the harmful practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

WHY DOES FGM CONTINUE TO BE PRACTICED?

FGM still continues because of gender inequality and deeply held cultural beliefs and attitudes. Most girls and women familiar with FGM say they would like to see it end, but there is social and cultural pressure to continue the practice. Though officially illegal in many countries, female genital mutilation is still practiced globally and is often a direct precursor to child marriage, since it symbolizes a girl’s entrance into womanhood. Mothers, fathers, extended family, and community leaders may force or coerce girls and young women to undergo the procedure to be accepted as “clean” and ready for marriage.

AWARENESS TO STOP FGM

To stop the practice, the United Nations (U.N.) created the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed every year on February 6. The U. N. Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality) also calls for intensified global efforts to end FGM by 2030.

HOW CAN YOU HELP STOP FGM?

Hami Imani Africa (HIA) teams go directly to the Maasai villages in Kenya where FGM is practiced to deliver education on the harms and realities of this horrific ritual. HIA is focused on changing the culture to eradicate the practice of FGM and early marriages. Our program effectively reaches the hearts of the elders and the people to end the suffering that FGM causes throughout generations.  We can continue our education to the Maasai through your financial support.