To:

The Ministry of Health,

The Ministry of Social and Family Development,

The Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth,

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore,

Religious and Community Leaders,

We urgently call for the end of Female Genital Cutting (FGC) in Singapore, a harmful practice that continues to affect the physical and psychological well-being of women and girls in our communities.

The Issue
FGC, known locally as sunat perempuan, is practiced within certain communities in Singapore, often on infants and young girls. This procedure, involving partial or complete cutting of female genitalia, is typically carried out by private clinics without regulation or oversight. Despite claims of its symbolic or religious nature, FGC carries medical risks and violates fundamental rights to bodily autonomy and consent.

Globally, FGC has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a human rights violation with no health benefits. It is associated with numerous short- and long-term risks, including infection, chronic pain, complications in childbirth, and psychological trauma. In Singapore, the practice continues under a veil of silence and cultural normalization, with no legislation to regulate it.

Our Call to Action
We believe Singapore has the opportunity and responsibility to be a leader in protecting the rights of women and girls by taking decisive action to end FGC. Therefore, we call on the government to:

1. Conduct a nation-wide study to determine the prevalence of FGC 
   This includes the number of women who are cut, the type of cutting, instrument of cut, person who cut, health impacts and so on. 
2. Regulate FGC practiced within MOH-registered General Practitioner Clinics
   Many countries have banned FGC but it persists underground. Instead, we advocate that doctors educate parents on the medical risks of FGC and carry out only symbolic cutting (eg: washing of vulval with water but no removal of skin or blood)
3. Educate and Raise Awareness
   Implement nationwide campaigns to educate the public on the harms of FGC, challenge misconceptions, and foster dialogue within affected communities.
4. Engage Religious and Community Leaders
   Collaborate with religious and cultural leaders to dispel myths about FGC’s necessity or permissibility, promoting alternative rites of passage that uphold cultural values without causing harm. The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) should issue a public fatwa (religious declaration) on FGC. 
5. Support Survivors
   Establish accessible resources for survivors of FGC, including healthcare services, psychological support, and platforms to share their stories.
6. Promote Community-Led Change
   Partner with grassroots organizations and advocacy groups to develop culturally sensitive approaches to ending FGC while empowering affected communities.

Why Now?
6 February is the International Day of Zero Tolerance on FGM/C (Female Genital Mutiliation/Cutting). Ending FGC aligns with Singapore’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, and the protection of vulnerable populations. By addressing this issue head-on, Singapore can join the global movement to end FGC and ensure that all women and girls have the right to live free from harm and discrimination.

Sign This Petition
Together, we can break the silence surrounding FGC and take meaningful steps to end this harmful practice in Singapore. Let us stand united in protecting the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls in our society.

Sign now to demand action against FGC in Singapore.

For more information about Female Genital Cutting (FGC) in Singapore, visit www.endfgcsg.com

Hear what some Parents and Survivors had to say: 

A Mother's Experience

“Many times, I had wanted to just give in and do what my mil (mother-in-law) wants me to do. But I really don't know if I could live with myself if I made my daughter go through sth so unnecessary just to appease someone who has no business over my daughter's private parts. This platform has really given me the support and strength I need to stick by my guns and do the right thing by my principles. We've finally decided to tell the white lie because honestly, as a first-time mother, this immense pressure and stress was the last thing I needed.” 

Shared with End FGC Singapore.

Another Mother’s Experience

“I went to a Muslim female doctor, recommended by my uncle yesterday.

This morning, I saw that there was still some blood. Then, I noticed something dangling... To my horror, it seemed like the labia was cut on the top and it's blue-black.

I went back to the doctor to find out what's wrong. She did not see the baby yet, but was already holding a container with scissors. I said, “You’re not cutting my girl again.”

When she saw the cut, she kept saying that it's the labia. I insisted that the cut was not meant to be there; the circumcision was completed since the top was removed. She must have cut too much. My eldest girl's circumcision was okay (it was done with another doctor).

She was not apologetic but kept saying the baby will recover. I got pissed off. I asked whether this is the way it's meant to be. She started talking about circumcision in Egypt––who cares what's done elsewhere! She made me more angry. I kept asking if it was meant to be like this. She claims the labia might reattach, or drop off. Uh?

I looked more confused and was so sad... Then, before I went out the door, she admitted she might have cut too much and apologised. I'm still sad....”

Taken from a MummySg Forum, posted on October 2012.

A Survivor’s Experience

“I don’t remember when it happened to me. I don’t know the details either –– of who did it, where they did it, or what they used. All I know is the pain of knowing that my body had been permanently altered without my consent by the people and community who I had no choice but to entrust to keep me safe from harm, and I was failed miserably by them.

My scars are physical, psychological and emotional. I have to live with my feelings of disappointment, anger and injustice.

FGC is harmful and unnecessary. But there is hope –– this pain is avoidable. I refuse to pass down this trauma to my daughters. This ends with me.”

Shared with End FGC Singapore.