International Zero Tolerance Female Genital Mutliation

Today is 'International Day Of Zero Tolerance To Female Genital Mutilation' and I want to take this chance to help raise awareness on why every day should be zero tolerance day. This is an issue that is very close to my heart after working with women who have been victim to FGM and seeing the impact this has on their lives I really want to help make a difference. This has often been a taboo or delicate subject for many to talk about due to culture and simply because it means people will actually have to acknowledge women's genitals. I am glad the world is taking a stand and really raising awareness about the horrific acts that happens even right here in the UK. Yes right in the UK an estimated 23000 girls are at risk of falling victim of FGM.

Girls shouldn't have to go through this

For those who do not know FGM is  "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". It is recognised as a violation of the human rights of women and girls. In December 2012, the United Nations general assembly unanimously voted to work for the elimination of FGM throughout the world. 

"It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women," says the WHO. "It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practise also violates a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death."

I took this quote from the Guardian as they explained it best but I really want to help spread this message.

Tools used for FGM

Right now all over the world young girls and women are being brainwashed into believing this cultural act will make them 'clean'. This horrific torture is taught to be something girls should be proud of and mothers hold daughters hands and watch as women slice off their child's clitoris and labia. Girls as young as 7 are taught that women should get no gratification from sexual acts and that their vagina are for pissing and reproduction only. Yet this act makes it even more painful for women to give birth as when they are sliced open while sitting in a pool of their own blood they are sewn up often by women in the community they know and they are left with a small hole as small as 3 millimetres. Just imagine how small that is and how brutal a sexual act will feel when they enter married life. All this is done when they are too young to realise what is happening to them is not something that happens to all young girls.

This happens more widespread in some parts of Africa and Asia but a shocking 140 million women have fell victim to female genital mutilation around the world and many will never speak out about it.

Now the most important part.How can we make a difference and help young girls not have to go through this and support the victims who have?

Education is key

First sign some petitions here and educate yourself and those around you about FGM by following and supporting the amazing work being done by Stop FGM Now , Amnesty International , Daughters of Eve and let me know if you hear about any other charities out there working to eradicate this. I would love to do some work directly in the communities helping educate the importance of not body shaming, that it isn't wrong to enjoy sex and just that FGM is wrong as well as medically and psychologically damaging. Education is key! If you haven't yet seen the documentary 'The cruel cut that was featured on channel 4 check it out.

One last thing you can do ladies. Stop body shaming on yourself. Love your labia we all come in different sizes , shapes and we should love ourselves and help all women understand.