There are a lot of misconceptions about FGM — let’s clear them up.
Myth 1: FGM is a religious tradition
Many people believe that FGM is a religious tradition and some of them don't even ask if it is one, but they just assume it.
But FGM is NOT a religious tradition, There are no religious books prescribing the practice. FGM goes back to Pharaonic heritage and African tribal rituals. Female genital mutilation is praciticed among different religions and cultures.
Myth 2: FGM only happens in Africa
Most people think that FGM is happening in African countries. But that's a misconception, FGM is happening all over the world. In Europe alone it's estimated that about one million women and girls are affected by FGM.
Altough FGM is banned in most European countries and the US there are still only a few successful lawsuits.
Myth 3: FGM is only performed on adult women
While many FGM supporters state that only teenage and adult women "decide" to undergo the practice, statistics show that the majority of girls who underwent FGM were under five years old.
Myth 4: FGM is connected to health
Pracitioners claim, that FGM has health benefits.
This myth is more than just wrong. FGM does not only NOT support health, but quite the contrary: most women who undergo FGM suffer for a life-time.
The belief that female genital mutilation benefits a woman's health stems from the belief, that the female genitals are "dirty" and in order to become a full, clean woman, girls must be cut.
Myth 5: FGM is not that common anymore
The reality is that FGM is happening all over the world. It could be happening to your neighbour or a girl from your school. In november 2017 the UN stated that the number of victims has risen to 250 million girls and women.
FGM is common more than ever and together we have to stop this crime against humanity!
Support us now for a future, where FGM has no place.
