Female genital mutilation refers to the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia. The term female genital mutilation (FGM) includes any injury to a woman or girl’s genitalia for reasons other than medical ones, commonly religious. FGM is sometimes called female circumcision, but the implications of female circumcision are quite different from those of male circumcision. Fast facts on female genital mutilation The practice is carried out for social, religious, and cultural reasons. Types The World Health Organization (WHO) describes four main types of female genital mutilation: Type 1: Clitoridectomy Share on Pinterest The practice mostly affects women in East and North African countries.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 16, 2022 07:01 UTC