Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the removal or injury of female genitalia for non-medical reasons. While it is often perceived as a personal issue affecting an individual's body and well-being, the consequences of this harmful practice extend far beyond the individual, impacting families, communities and entire societies.

Women and girls who undergo FGM often experience severe complications of both short and long-term negative health consequences, affecting their physical, sexual, mental, and social well-being. The repercussions of FGM extend deeply into families, particularly affecting mothers, and their children. Women who have undergone FGM face greater risks during childbirth, including severe bleeding, menstrual problems and life-threatening conditions. These complications not only endanger lives but also impose emotional and financial burdens on families who must seek costly medical interventions to manage the long-term effects of FGM. Medical issues require ongoing treatment, limiting access to care for other pressing health needs within these communities. FGM thus places a significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource settings.

Beyond health concerns, FGM also disrupts the educational journey of young girls. The practice is often tied to cultural traditions that prioritise early marriage over education for girls. The physical pain and trauma associated with the procedure often forces them to miss or drop out of school. Without access to education, girls are denied the opportunity to reach their full potential, affecting their future economic independence and overall personal development.

Economic consequences result when women suffering from health complications due to FGM struggle to maintain employment, which in turn leads to lost productivity and financial instability. Moreover, the low participation of women in the workforce reduces overall economic growth. Addressing harmful practices like FGM can result in stronger economies by ensuring that women and girls can contribute fully to society.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), "if it were abandoned now, it shows that the associated savings in health costs would be more than 60% by 2050. In contrast, if no action is taken, it is estimated that these costs will soar by 50% over the same time period, as populations grow and as more girls undergo the procedure."

There are different types of FGM, but they all share one common factor - they provide no health benefit, only harm. All types of FGM are illegal under the Maltese Criminal Code. A person found guilty of carrying out or assisting in the carrying out of FGM is subject to imprisonment, ranging between three to nine years. A person found guilty of performing FGM which causes the death of the victim is subject to imprisonment ranging between four to twenty years. Any person who fails to avert FGM is liable to a fine of between €1,000 and €5,000.

While strong legislation is crucial, it must be supported by continuous education and awareness-raising to ensure that all members of society recognise the dangers of FGM and work together to eliminate it.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) plays a pivotal role in this regard. The NCPE is committed to continue raising further awareness on different forms of violence on women and girls, including FGM.

Eliminating FGM requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and educators. By working together, we can protect girls and women from this harmful practice and build a future where every girl has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and free from harm.

Renee Laiviera is the Commissioner of the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) can be contacted on: 2276 8200, [email protected] or NCPE's social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn - NCPE.Malta)