LET'S TALK ABOUT VAGINAS...FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION: THE FAILURE OF INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND HOW TO END AN ABUSIVE TRADITION

Abstract

Female Genital Mutilation (‘FGM’) is not related to any specific colour or religion, but to a patriarchal system. This article explores its history and culture, and explains that tackling the practice of FGM has been affected by estimated data and the failure to implement decades of international obligations. The threat or use of criminal prosecution, together with non-legal community engagement, works more swiftly to protect women and girls from FGM. Combined with modern media, such an approach gives women in every community a voice. The recognition, debate, and enforcement of these simple truths can speed the process of compliance with international obligations across the world, and can eradicate FGM.