Farsi (فارسی)
Kurdish (کوردی)
Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting is the practice of cutting the female genital, or female genital mutilation. FGM is a very ancient ritual that is still practised today, despite the violation of women’s sexual rights in all forms.
United Nations considers FGM as one of the examples of violence against women that with the sexual mutilation of women in childhood, it creates unfortunate consequences for the entire life of the person with subsequent social costs.
One of the purposes of FGM is to reduce a woman’s sexual desire, and in some regions, it is done for a variety of reasons, including incorrect traditional and cultural practices or religious reasons. Of course, this issue is not directly mentioned in any religion, nor can it be justified by religion.
The highest rate of FGM in the world belongs to Africa and it is prevalent among the Jews of Ethiopia and Eritrea, the Muslims of Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan, and a group of Christians. It is also practised in some areas of Kurdistan and southern Iran. In some parts of the world, this act is considered the stage of transition from childhood to womanhood. In some other regions, it is done in the form of traditional medicine or popular belief. This means that in these areas, they believe that there is black blood or dirty blood in the bodies of girls, and this action causes this blood to leave their bodies. But the main purpose and origin of such a practice are to reduce or control a woman’s sexual desires before marriage. In most remote and rural areas, which suffer from economic and cultural poverty, girls are cut after reaching the age of puberty to reduce their sexual desire and prevent them from engaging in extramarital sex, and probably because of these prejudices, girls agree for an early marriage. According to the chart above, female genital mutilation rates are decreasing in Iran. Changing society’s attitudes, raising awareness about the physical, sexual, and psychological harms of female genital mutilation, migration of villagers to cities, female mortality as a result of this practice, reluctance of the younger generation to continue the tradition, as well as the impact of social networks and media, have been among the reasons for the decline in female genital mutilation rates in recent years. The prevalence of FGM in Hormozgan province is higher than in the other three provinces. According to research data published in In the name of Tradition by Kameel Ahmady and his team in most villages around Minab, Bandar Pahl, Kong, Langeh, Gawbandi, Khamir, Hormoz, Lark, Kish, and Qeshm, this traditional surgery is prevalent. Cutting a part of female genitals is also common in the Oraman region of Kermanshah province, in the villages of Kamiyaran, Ravansar, Javanroud, Paveh, Nodsheh, Nusud, and Shahu. The findings of the research show rate of this practice in Kurdistan province is much lower than in Kermanshah province. The Mariwan area, especially the large village of Oraman Takht, has a high rate of FGM.The prevalence of this practice in West Azerbaijan province (Kurdish region) differs from other provinces. Field findings show that in some villages in the Mokorian region between Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan provinces, a small percentage of girls over the age of 10 are cut. According to the study, one of the reasons for this situation in the southern part of West Azerbaijan Province is the illegal and seasonal migration of Roman groups from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to the Kurdistan Region of Iran.If you are looking for a complete study about FGM in Iran, you can read the book on FGM. Some beliefs, norms, attitudes, and political and economic systems have played a role in the continuation of this traditional practice in Iran. Previously, studies were collected about the prevalence of FGM in Iran, but by further examining, analysing, and investigating the practice of FGM in Iran, this practice showed to be prevalent in the four provinces of West Azarbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Hormozgan. According to the classification of the World Health Organization, FGM refers to cutting part or all or partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora with/or without cutting or sewing of the labia majora. In the first type, female genital mutilation of the clitoris is removed, in the second type, the clitoris is cut along with the small lips of the vulture, and in the third type, after cutting the clitoris and small lips of the vulture, the large lips of the Farage are close together and sewn together, all three of these types have negative medical complications, but the third type of other types is more severe. Research findings on this issue are important in two respects: firstly, they provide a much-needed basis for future studies and research in Iran, and secondly, they are effective in raising awareness about the continuation of FGM. in Iran.Also, on a larger scale, this research has discredited the long-standing belief that this practice is only limited to Africa and has provided enough evidence for the dangerous prevalence of FGM among women and girls. FGM, in addition to Africa, is also prevalent in the Middle East, and parts of Asia, including some provinces of Iran.The revelation of this truth will help the civil activists of Iranian society and the groups defending children’s rights as well as international organizations to enter into a dialogue with the stakeholders and those involved in this practice in Iran to recognise this practice and to fight against it.
The situation of FGM in Iran
Cause and reasons for FGM in Iran
Types and classification of Female Genital Mutilation
The importance of research on FGM
Approaches to prevent FGM in Iran
Articles
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FAQ About Female Genital Mutilation
- What are the side effects and harms of FGM? Common complications in the early days of female genital mutilation include severe pain, bleeding, inflammation of vaginal tissues, fever, infection, difficulty passing urine, psychological problems, and fear of death. Long-term consequences of female genital mutilation include urinary problems (painful urination and frequent urinary tract infection), vaginal problems (vaginal discharge, itching, bacterial vaginitis, and other chronic infections), menstrual problems (painful menstruation and difficulty in excreting menstrual blood), scar tissue and colloidal sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased sexual satisfaction), increased risks and consequences of childbirth (toughening of childbirth, heavy bleeding, cesarean surgery), increased infant mortality.
- What is the rate of FGM in the world? Official UN reports indicate that about 130 million women and girls worldwide have been victims of one of the four types of FGM, adding about two million girls each year. This practice is currently common in twenty-nine countries and is most prevalent in western, eastern, and northern parts of Africa and some regions of the Middle East and Asia. It is also practiced among some immigrant groups living in Europe, North America, and Australia.
- What is the rate of FGM in Iran? Female Genital Mutilation or cutting was prevalent in the south and west regions of Iran varying from 40% to 85%
- Why do Iranians circumcise? Research from some years ago has highlighted prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in remote villages within Kurdish populated regions of Iran, specifically in some villages of West Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Hormozgan provinces. Although there has been a decline in FGM/C rates in recent years, however it continues to impact some girls and women in these areas.
It’s crucial to respect the cultural context while actively working to eliminate FGM, ensuring that efforts are sensitive, community-led, and focused on raising awareness about the health risks and consequences associated with the practice.
International organizations, governments, and NGOs are actively working to eradicate FGM through education, awareness campaigns, and legal reforms.
FGM perpetuates gender inequality, and its elimination is critical for promoting gender equity and protecting the rights of girls and women.
What are the challenges in addressing FGM, and how can international organizations, governments, and civil society work together to eliminate this practice while respecting cultural sensitivities and human rights?
FGM is deeply rooted in cultural and social norms, making it a complex and challenging issue to address, often requiring a multifaceted approach.