Frequently Asked Questions on Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting

This list of 27 questions and answers from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) webpage focuses on the topic of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/FGC). The questions and answers are about:

• meanings of terminology including incision, clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, circumcision, female genital mutilation and female genital cutting;
• types of cutting and instruments used;
• its history and geographic locations where it is practiced;
• risks and reasons it is practiced;
• traditions and beliefs associated with the practice;
• physical and psychological effects;
• condemning and condoning the practice;
• legality;
• terminology of local practitioners;
• women's comments; and
• statements of organisations actively working on changing the practice.

This discussion includes the UNFPA position: "The function of culture and tradition is to provide a framework for human well-being; cultural arguments can never be used to condone violence against persons, male or female." It gives information on the banning of the practice of FGM/FGC and which international conventions make provision for the health of women and girls that contraindicate this practice, including the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, Chapter 4. The document concludes with a clear indication that the UNFPA views FGM/FGC as a violation of women's fundamental human rights.