Observed annually on 6th February, the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is significant in raising global awareness of FGM while highlighting not just the physical but the psychological impact of FGM on survivors.
FGM is a deeply ingrained violence with devastating consequences, affecting countless women and girls worldwide. This harmful practice, often cloaked in cultural and traditional justifications, continues to rob countless girls and women of their dignity and well-being.
“Before attending a 2-day Anti-FGM workshop organized by Africa Coordinating Centre for the Abandonment of FGM, (ACCAF), my understanding of FGM was superficial at best. I knew it was harmful and illegal in many countries, but I underestimated its pervasive nature and the cultural complexities sustaining it. I also learnt of its consequences in depth, including the mental, social, and sexual health issues associated with FGM. Another alarming fact I learnt was how the medicalization of FGM was a rising trend and was further exacerbating the problem! Through this workshop, my perception shifted dramatically and shaped my attitude and approach toward combating this harmful practice.”
“My medical training offered a basic understanding of the types of FGM and its physical complications, such as bleeding, infections, childbirth complications and even death. However, I lacked a comprehensive understanding of its psychological and social impacts. I had never considered the immense cultural pressures perpetuating FGM or how the practice thrived in secrecy, even within medicalized contexts.”
Hosted by the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the University of Nairobi, ACCAF provides a multi-disciplinary approach to champion efforts and address the gaps in the abandonment of FGM to sustain women’s health and dignity.
Despite the prevalence of FGM-related complications at health service delivery points and an increase in the medicalisation of FGM, there was no standardized curriculum to train healthcare professionals on how to respond to these cases effectively. Through a multi-stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with the Ministry of Health, ACCAF identified a crucial gap. It highlighted the urgent need for a structured and comprehensive training framework to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge required to manage FGM complications.
“During the workshop and other Anti-FGM events and workshops I’ve had the honor to attend, I learned that FGM is not just a physical violation but a profound infringement on human rights of women and girls. The real-life examples brought the issue to life in ways that textbooks never could. Hearing countless survivors talk about their resilience and the cultural dynamics sustaining FGM made me realize the urgency of addressing this practice in all its dimensions.”
“As a young doctor, I believe medical practitioners play a key role in preventing and responding to FGM cases. This starts with the understanding that FGM has no health benefits! We need to spread awareness among young girls, their families, and communities and debunk all myths spread about FGM. People need to understand the irreversible harm caused by FGM, both physically and emotionally. And most importantly, we must also ensure that our workplaces are a safe space where survivors can seek help without fear of judgment or stigma.”
“At ACCAF, we noticed there was no standardised curriculum used to train medical students as well as no facility that provides skills to prevent and respond to FGM. As a result, we engaged the health professionals and bodies to develop a curriculum, which has so far been used to train 209 lecturers. The lecturers have trained 3,152 health students from universities and mid-level colleges, as well as 30 healthcare workers and 18 Community Health Promoters. We are proud to say that we are creating the largest movement of health professionals who have been trained in FGM prevention and response using a standardised curriculum in Africa. Pre- and post-training evaluations show significant improvements in both self-perceived knowledge and confidence in FGM among faculty members and students.” Prof. Samuel Kimani, a Health Expert and Associate Professor at ACCAF.
The medicalization of FGM is a particularly alarming trend. Some healthcare providers justify performing FGM under the guise of reducing harm, but this violates the very essence of our Hippocratic oath: “Do No Harm.” Prioritizing monetary gain over ethical responsibility not only contradicts our professional code of conduct but is also illegal. Medical practitioners must be held accountable, and it is our collective duty to call out and report those who engage in such practices.
It is essential to recognize that the consequences of FGM extend far beyond the physical. While complications like bleeding, infections, chronic pain, and fistulas are immediate and visible, the psychological scars run deeper. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Socially, they may face stigma and isolation, particularly if they choose to reject or speak out against this violation. FGM also robs women of their sexual autonomy, often leading to lifelong struggles with intimacy and self-worth.
“The theme for this year’s Zero Tolerance Day, Stepping Up the Pace: Building Movements and Strengthening Alliances, resonates greatly with me, as it emphasizes the importance of collaboration in fighting FGM. As medical professionals, we must join hands with community leaders, activists, educators, and policymakers to strengthen anti-FGM movements.”
Medical practitioners, have the power to drive meaningful change through simple yet impactful actions.
“By educating patients, challenging harmful norms, and holding our peers accountable, we create a safer future for young girls and protect future generations from its devastating effects.”
