Female Genital Mutilation (FGM/C)
Female genital mutilation (FGM/C) is a profound and widespread practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. The term “female genital mutilation” or “female genital cutting” (abbreviated as FGM/C) refers to all non-medically justified procedures in which the external female genitalia are partially or completely removed or otherwise injured. These procedures are usually performed during childhood or adolescence and have no health benefits whatsoever—on the contrary, they can result in serious physical, psychological, and social consequences.
What is FGM/C?
FGM/C is internationally recognized as a severe form of gender-based violence and a grave human rights violation. It violates fundamental rights to physical integrity, health, safety, and dignity, as well as the right to be free from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Furthermore, it stands in direct contradiction to the universal principles of equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex.
Background and Causes
The practice of female genital mutilation/circumcision (FGM/C) is not equally widespread everywhere—it occurs primarily in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are at least 230 million girls and women in over 30 countries where FGM/C is widespread, typically in western, eastern, and northeastern regions of Africa, as well as in some countries in the Middle East and Asia. In these areas, FGM/C is often performed during childhood, usually before the age of 15.
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Health and Psychological Consequences
FGM/C always causes health problems—immediately after the procedure and often for the rest of a person’s life. In addition to the physical consequences, many survivors also suffer severe psychological distress.
Legal Situation
FGM/C is recognized worldwide as a human rights violation. International agreements require states to protect girls and women from it.
Prevention and Protection
Preventing FGM/C means protecting girls, strengthening families, and supporting communities through processes of change. Successful prevention work combines education, empowerment, expertise, and robust protection systems.
What SOLWODI Does
Given the scale of the problem, those affected need comprehensive support, protection, and access to medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance. This is exactly what SOLWODI is committed to:
We offer help to affected women and girls, support them through asylum and residency procedures, advocate for their rights, and work consistently on prevention, awareness-raising, and empowerment. SOLWODI makes it clear that FGM/C is not a “distant problem,” but a reality that must be taken seriously and combated in our society as well.
Sources
Many of the statements made here are based on the experiences and observations of SOLWODI social workers in their counseling and support of clients. In addition, the following sources are important for specific sections of the text:
1. TERRE DES FEMMES – Recommendations for Action in Baden-Württemberg (2024)
TERRE DES FEMMES – Human Rights for Women e. V.
Recommendations for Dealing with Victims and Those at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Early and Forced Marriage in Baden-Württemberg.
Berlin, 2024.
https://frauenrechte.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Handlungsempfehlung_BaWue.pdf
2. Prognos AG – Estimate of Women and Girls Affected by or at Risk of Female Genital Mutilation in Germany (Data as of December 31, 2024)
Stegner, Kristina; Kraus, Emily; Fischer, Mattes (Prognos AG)
Estimate of the number of women and girls affected by and at risk of female genital mutilation in Germany. Update as of December 31, 2024.
Commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women, and Youth (BMFSFJ).
Berlin, November 2025.
https://www.who.int/health-topics/female-genital-mutilation?#tab=tab_1
