Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation
Why protecting girls’ health and rights matters
“Health, Dignity, and Safety for Every Girl”
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves injuring or removing parts of the female genital organs for reasons that are not medical.
It mainly affects girls and young women and is usually carried out during childhood. The practice exists in different parts of the world and continues to affect millions of people.
FGM is often linked to tradition, social pressure, or beliefs about femininity and marriage. In many communities, families feel expected to follow the practice in order for girls to be accepted. However, FGM has no health benefits and can cause serious harm.
The immediate effects can include intense pain, bleeding, and infection. Over time, girls and women may experience long-lasting health problems, difficulties during childbirth, and emotional distress. Because FGM is often done without consent and on children, it raises serious concerns about safety and basic human rights.
Today, there is broad agreement that FGM is harmful and should not continue. A zero-tolerance approach means working to prevent the practice completely, protect girls who may be at risk, and support women who have already been affected.
Ending FGM is not only about laws. While legal protection is important, real change also comes from education, open discussion, and community involvement. When families have access to accurate information and healthcare, and when girls are supported through education, the practice becomes less common.
Zero tolerance means putting health, dignity, and well-being first. It recognises that traditions can change and that no custom should put girls at risk.
Protecting girls from FGM is part of a wider effort to create safer, more equal societies for everyone.
- Artemis Kechagioglou is a contributor to Agora Dialogue, reflecting on public life, sustainability, and the good society.