Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) threatens the sexual and reproductive health of millions of women and girls in parts of Africa, Asia and some Arab States. It is also practiced in some immigrant communities in Europe and North America. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) addresses the practice of FGM/C not only because of its harmful impact on the reproductive and sexual health of women, but also because it is a violation of women’s fundamental human rights. The basis for a rights approach is the affirmation that human well-being and health is influenced by the way a person is valued, respected and given the choice to decide on the direction of her life without discrimination, coercion or neglect of attention.

 

In this interview, Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director of UNFPA, addresses various questions relating to FGM/C. She discusses a number of issues relating to the practice, including: its basis in cultural tradition, current strategies and initiatives to reduce or eliminate it, UNFPA’s approach to FGM/C and actions that the international community can take to support its elimination.  

 

Please use the links below to access the full text interview, further information on UNFPA’s approach to FGM/C and related articles that appear on the Civil Society, Gender and Development, HIV/AIDS, Youth for Development and Culture and Development dgCommunities.