Female genital mutilation (FGM), as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), “comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”. FGM is mostly practised by certain communities in African and Asian countries, as well as some diaspora populations throughout America, Europe, and Australia, making it a global issue.

FGM is often seen as being a traditional cultural practice and some communities view it as the initiation to womanhood or a necessary prerequisite for marriage. Religion is also used as an excuse, but there is no tangible reason for it other than to control women's sexuality and bodies since there are no health benefits or medical justifications.

Around 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM, which is usually done before they have reached puberty. The effects of FGM can follow girls throughout their childhood and into their adult lives, causing physical issues such as excessive bleeding, swelling and urinary tract infections, as well as psychological issues including PTSD, the fear of intercourse, and depression.

In the last few decades, FGM has come to be recognised as both a human rights violation, and form of child abuse, with an estimated 59 countries having passed laws against it, including 26 African countries. The progression in laws, international response and joint forces of organisations such as WHO, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has led to the goal that the practise of FGM will be abandoned by 2030.

FGM DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Disrupting the eradication of FGM is COVID-19, a virus which “has disproportionately affected girls and women, resulting in what [the UN] calls “a shadow pandemic”.  Activists in Kenya say that lockdowns and the closure of schools - which are seen as safe houses - could increase the likelihood of girls facing FGM, thereby putting them at greater risk as they are forced to spend more time at home with family. This lack of protection paired with heightened poverty due to business closures and other economic hardships contribute towards the rising rates of FGM in Kenya.

A similar pattern has occurred in Somalia.  The reported instances of FGM have risen during the pandemic as some mothers believe this period out of school is a good time for their daughters to heal post-FGM. Though FGM is illegal in Somalia, pressure from conservative and religious groups has prevented legislations that would punish perpetrators. As such, an estimated 98% of women have been subjected to the violation. Worryingly, Plan International has reported receiving calls from the public alleging that FGM practitioners have been going door to door to offer their services.

In Asia, there are no countries with legislation banning FGM, meaning that there is no legal protection against the practise. The Orchid Project notes that even prior to COVID-19, there were limited resources allocated to ending FGM in Asia. As such, the pandemic has not significantly impacted the anti-FGM activities in the region, unlike in parts of Africa. However, the use of lockdowns to control virus cases has affected development of pragmatic work for the cessation of FGM.

In the UK, fears have arisen due to a drop in the number of reported cases. Between July and September 2020, only 635 newly recorded cases were reported, compared to 1,010 cases in the same period in 2019. The concern is that girls and women who are survivors or at risk might not have been able to access the National FGM Support Clinics to report their experiences and concerns despite them being open during lockdowns. Therefore, reporting and monitoring has also become more of an issue as the possibility of inaccurate data and delayed reporting has increased.

The overall effect of COVID-19 on FGM at global scale is detrimental to the well-being of girls, as well to the efforts in eliminating the practise by 2030. Lockdowns have led to an increase in cuts for economic and community causes. The severity of the pandemic has led to a de-prioritisation of FGM, which could lead to further reductions in funding. The restrictions on organisations working to end FGM have been extensive, and the ability to monitor FGM cases has been reduced. Meanwhile, activists and organisations are adapting to COVID-19 and are constructing response plans and other mitigating strategies.

Poppi is studying for a Master in International Studies on Media, Power and Difference at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona. She has experience working on social documentaries and content writing and her main academic areas of interest are the climate crisis and human rights.

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