Definition of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
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We are collecting published and unpublished literature on FGM from all over
the places. If you have any, please let us know/have it.
In addition, could you give us your comments on the following definitions of
FGM:
FGM sometimes referred to as 'Female Circumcision', comprises all procedures
involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other
injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural, religious or other
non-therapeutic reasons.
There are different types of FGM known to be practiced today. They include:
- excision of the prepuce, with or without excision of part or all of the
clitoris
- excision of the clitoris with partial or total excision of the labia minora
- excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching/narrowing
of the vaginal opening (infibulation)
- pricking, piercing or incising of the clitoris and/or labia; stretching of
the clitoris and/or labia; cauterisation by burning of the clitoris and
surrounding tissue
- scraping of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice (angurya cuts) or
cutting of the vagina (gishiri cuts)
- introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina to cause
bleeding or for the purpose of tightening or narrowing it
- any other procedure that falls under the definition given above.
Please send your comments to this conference or directly to:
Prof. G.M.P. Mwaluko
Joint HSR Programme for Eastern and Southern Africa
P.O.Box CY 348
Harare / Zimbabwe
Fax: +263-4-728998
e-mail: mwaluko@healthnet.zw
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