FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN SOMALIA

by

REBECCA COLLINS

_________________________________________

Rebecca Collins is a freelance writer/editor.

 

WARNING: DISTURBING, EXPLICIT GRAPHICS

 

 

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As someone from the West, I find the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) deeply disturbing. The idea that young girls can be subjected to a painful, irreversible procedure with no medical benefit is difficult to accept. While I recognize that cultural traditions differ widely across societies, I believe that practices which cause lasting physical and psychological harm should always be open to scrutiny. My reaction is especially strong when I consider the lifelong consequences for girls and women, including their health, dignity, and ability to live without avoidable suffering.

FGM is extremely widespread in Somalia, and the country is consistently reported as having one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. According to major international surveys, around 98% of women and girls aged 15–49 in Somalia have undergone some form of FGM. This places Somalia at the very top globally in terms of prevalence, meaning the practice is nearly universal in many communities. The most common form is the most severe type, often involving significant cutting or narrowing, which increases the risk of complications later in life.

The practice itself involves the partial or total removal of external female genital tissue for non-medical reasons. It is usually performed on young girls, often before puberty, meaning they are unable to give informed consent. In most cases, the procedure is carried out in non-clinical environments without proper medical equipment or anesthesia. This alone creates immediate dangers.

Traditional practitioners (cutters or local midwives) perform the procedure without formal medical anesthesia, sedatives or pain relief. Several adult women or female relatives forcibly hold the girl down to prevent her from moving during the cutting. In some instances, local herbs, ashes, or cold water are applied immediately after the cut, but these serve to stem bleeding or ward off infection rather than numb the intense pain.

The short-term health effects can be severe. Girls often experience extreme pain, heavy bleeding and traumatic shock. Infections are common due to unsterile instruments and poor conditions. In more serious cases, excessive blood loss or untreated infection can lead to death. Even when girls survive the procedure, many are left with injuries that take a long time to heal.

The long-term consequences are equally serious and often lifelong. Many women suffer from chronic pelvic pain, urinary tract infections and complications during menstruation. Scar tissue can lead to physical obstruction and discomfort, and some women require corrective surgery later in life. Pregnancy and childbirth can also become significantly more dangerous. Women who have undergone FGM face higher risks of obstructed labour, excessive bleeding during birth and other serious complications that can endanger both mother and child.

Another aspect of FGM that is often discussed but less openly acknowledged is its impact on sexual health and intimacy. The procedure frequently removes or damages sensitive tissue that plays a role in sexual sensation. As a result, some women report reduced or absent sexual pleasure, pain during intercourse, or emotional difficulty with intimacy. Critics argue that this can interfere with a woman’s ability to fully participate in conjugal relationships and experience sexual well-being within marriage. From a human perspective, it raises concerns about whether individuals should be subjected to permanent bodily changes that affect such an intimate part of life without their consent.

Beyond physical effects, the psychological impact can be profound. Many women describe feelings of fear, trauma or anxiety related to their experience. Because FGM is often carried out in childhood, the memory of the event can remain deeply distressing into adulthood. Some women also report feelings of loss or violation, especially when they later learn more about what was done to them.

International organizations such as the World Health Organization and UNICEF have consistently condemned FGM. They emphasize that it has no health benefits and violates fundamental human rights, including the right to bodily integrity and personal autonomy. These organizations also highlight that the practice is not limited to one region or religion, but is found in various communities across parts of Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, though Somalia is among the countries with the highest prevalence.

In recent years, Somalia has taken steps toward addressing the issue. The provisional constitution describes female circumcision as a cruel and degrading practice, and there have been efforts at both national and regional levels to introduce stronger legal protections. Public health campaigns, community discussions, and engagement with religious leaders have helped increase awareness of the harms associated with FGM.

However, progress has been uneven and is often described as slow by critics. One major concern is the lack of a fully implemented national law that clearly criminalizes all forms of FGM across the country. Even where policies exist, enforcement is often weak, particularly in rural areas where traditional authority structures remain strong and access to healthcare and education is limited.

Another criticism is that some intervention strategies focus on reducing the severity of cutting rather than eliminating the practice entirely. Some communities have adopted what they view as 'less severe' forms of FGM, believing this to be a compromise. However, many health and human rights advocates argue that all forms of FGM carry risks and should be abandoned completely, as even minor cutting can cause physical harm and reinforce harmful social norms.

There is also the issue of social pressure, which remains one of the strongest forces sustaining the practice. In many communities, families fear that daughters who are not cut will be stigmatized or considered unsuitable for marriage. This creates a cycle in which individuals may privately oppose the practice but still feel compelled to continue it due to fear of social exclusion.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of gradual change. More Somali women, young people, healthcare workers, and community leaders are speaking openly against FGM than in the past. Education and awareness efforts are helping shift attitudes, especially among younger generations. In some areas, families are choosing to abandon the practice altogether, reflecting a slow but meaningful cultural shift.

Without apology, my Western background doubtlessly influences how I view FGM, but my opposition is grounded in concerns about health, human rights and personal freedom. The practice can cause severe physical harm, psychological trauma, complications in childbirth, reduced sexual well-being, and in some cases death. While cultural traditions should be understood in context, they should not be exempt from criticism when they result in preventable suffering. If meaningful progress is to be made, it will likely require stronger laws, consistent enforcement, continued education and sustained community engagement within Somalia itself.

also by Rebecca Collins

Why Hetero-Women Are More Disposed Than Hetero-Men to Homosexuality
Why Kids Are Disgusted by the Thought of Parents Having SEX
Diabetic Industrial Complex

 

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