CALLING IT AS IT IS:Ending FGM’s Terminology Barrier on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

February 6,2019 – The United Nations (UN) Declared International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). On this occasion, WeSpeakOut - a survivor led organization - unequivocally pledges to continue in its efforts to eradicate FGM in India, and is proud to be supported by several human rights organizations, globally and in India.FGM, is defined by the World Health Organisation as “the total or partial removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”, is widely prevalent in the Bohra Community and some other minorities, in India. The Bohra diaspora across the world have carried the practice with them and continue to practice it there as well.

There are many terms and acronyms to describe female genital mutilation (FGM); female genital cutting (FGC), female circumcision (FC), Khatna and Khafz. In the Bohra Community specifically, it involves the cutting of a seven year old girl’s clitoral hood.

“Ending FGM’s terminology barrier is WeSpeakOut’s specific goal this year. Khafz is FGM.” – says Masooma Ranalvi, convener of WeSpeakOut while speaking to Mirror.

According to Masooma, “There is an attempt being made to confuse and obfuscate the gravity of the practice of FGM by using differing terminologies, claiming that FGM is barbaric while Khafz is more civilized. This use of different terms is only meant to belittle the harm caused by Khafz, by glorifying it.”

In this year when the country faces general elections, WeSpeakOut calls upon all Indian political leaders to hear its appeals, and take steps to end FGM’s terminology barrier, and to take a categorical stand to end the practice.
The practice of FGM is condemned by international human rights treaties to which India is a party. India has also pledged to eliminate FGM as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (target 5.3).

It has been proven that deep seated patriarchal practices like FGM can be eliminated only if there is a strong political and public will to do so.

Requesting all our supporters to join in social media to talk about this and clarify the Female Circumcsion /Khafz is FGM and must END