FAQ – Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to all practices involving the cutting, removal (partial or total), or injury of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons.
FGM provides no health benefits and can cause severe physical and psychological harm.

FGM is recognised as a serious human rights violation and a specific form of gender-based discrimination and violence that affects millions of women and girls worldwide.

According to UNICEF, more than 230 million girls and women worldwide live with the consequences of FGM. Each year, millions of girls are at risk.
Between 2020 and 2030, without effective action, 68 million girls could be subjected to FGM in the 25 most affected countries.

FGM is practiced in at least 92 countries across all continents. It is most widespread in Central Africa and in some regions of the Middle East and Asia.

Countries with the highest prevalence include: Somalia, Guinea, Djibouti, Sierra Leone, Mali, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Chad, and Indonesia.

FGM is also present in many Western countries within migrant communities originating from countries where the practice is traditionally carried out.

Yes. Although the phenomenon is largely hidden and difficult to measure, it is estimated that around 88,500 women living in Italy have undergone FGM, including at least 8,200 minors
(source: University of Milano-Bicocca & University of Bologna, 2025).

Most underwent the practice in their countries of origin, but some cases have also occurred on Italian territory.

Common countries of origin include: Egypt, Senegal, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Guinea.

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies four types:

Type I – Clitoridectomy

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce.

• Type II – Excision

Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora.

• Type III – Infibulation

Narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and suturing the labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.

• Type IV – Other practices

Piercing, pricking, scraping, cauterisation, or any other injury to the genital area.

Reinfibulation—the re-sewing of the labia after childbirth—is also practiced in some contexts and is illegal.

FGM can cause serious physical and psychological harm, both in the short and long term.

Immediate complications:
Severe pain, heavy bleeding, infections, sepsis, tetanus, urinary retention, injuries to the vagina, urethra or surrounding tissues, and risk of death.

Long-term complications:
Chronic pain, recurrent infections, cysts, abscesses, menstrual problems, sexual difficulties, complications in pregnancy and childbirth, and increased risk of HIV transmission.

Infibulation may require the vagina to be surgically or manually opened before sexual intercourse or childbirth, creating significant risks for mother and baby.

Psychological harm:
Trauma, anxiety, depression, and long-term emotional distress.

Reasons vary by context, but they usually fall into five categories:

Control of sexuality: considered a way to “preserve virginity”, ensure fidelity, or increase “marriage value”.

Tradition and cultural identity: considered a rite of passage or a requirement to be “accepted” in the community.

Aesthetic or hygiene beliefs: based on myths about “purity” or what is considered “normal” genital appearance.

Religious beliefs: although no religion prescribes FGM, it may be justified as a religious obligation.

Economic and social factors: in some contexts, it may be required for marriage or inheritance; practitioners may also receive income.

Important: None of these reasons justify FGM.
It is a severe human rights violation.
You have the right to bodily integrity, and no one can force you to undergo FGM.

No. No religion requires FGM.
Although some people may claim FGM is a religious duty, this is incorrect.
You can refuse FGM without betraying your faith.

Yes. FGM is illegal in many countries, including Italy.
Italian Law No. 7/2006 prohibits and punishes:

• all forms of FGM

• reinfibulation

• participating in, facilitating, or transporting minors abroad to undergo FGM

Penalties include imprisonment, with harsher penalties if the survivor is a minor.

Yes. According to UNHCR and Italian guidelines, anyone who has been subjected to FGM or is at risk of undergoing it has the right to international protection, because FGM is recognised as a serious form of persecution and gender-based violence.

FGM violates fundamental rights such as physical integrity, health, liberty, personal security, and the right not to suffer inhuman or degrading treatment.
For these reasons, you may qualify for refugee status if your country of origin cannot or will not protect you.

The risk may concern you or your daughter. In such cases, the parent can also obtain protection.

Even those who have already undergone FGM may still be eligible for protection due to ongoing risks (reinfibulation, family pressure, violence) and permanent consequences.

For assistance, you can contact Arci’s Asylum and Refugee Helpline:
800 905 570
WhatsApp: +39 351 137 6335
Or reach out to anti-violence centres and specialised organisations (see next section).

If you fear being taken abroad to undergo FGM, seek help immediately.
No one has the right to force you to undergo the practice.
If you are in immediate danger, call the emergency number 112.

If you think that you or someone close to you is at risk, you can:

• Call the Ministry of Interior’s helpline on FGM: 800 300 558

Active Monday–Friday, 8:00–14:00 and 15:00–20:00. Free and confidential.

• Call the anti-violence helpline 1522

Free, anonymous, safe, 24/7.
Available in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Albanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Portuguese, Polish.
You can also chat on www.1522.eu.

• Contact a local Anti-Violence Centre

Find information in 19 languages and the map of centres here:
https://www.jumamap.it/it/violenza-di-genere/

• Speak to someone you trust

A teacher, social worker, cultural mediator, or friend.

• Call the police (112)

If there is immediate danger or risk of being forced to travel or undergo the practice.