Colombia fights female genital mutilation • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): The ritualistic removal of some or all of the external female genitalia.
• Embera People: An indigenous community in the Risaralda region of Colombia.
• Cultural Misconceptions: Beliefs driving the practice, specifically regarding female fidelity and biological development.
• Medical Complications: Health risks including sepsis, chronic pain, and obstetric obstruction.
• Legislative Advocacy: The movement to criminalize FGM through the Colombian Congress.

The Practice of FGM Among the Embera

In the mountainous Risaralda region of Colombia, the Embera indigenous community continues the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). The procedure is typically performed by midwives on newborn girls using rudimentary tools, such as blades or red-hot nails.

The persistence of this practice is rooted in deep-seated cultural myths. Community members hold the belief that the clitoris will grow into a penis if not removed, and that the procedure is necessary to ensure a woman’s future fidelity in marriage. As noted in the transcript, the justification provided to midwives is that the genitalia must be removed to prevent the girls from "growing like men."

Medical and Health Implications

The physical consequences of FGM are severe and life-threatening. The procedure frequently leads to:

• Infection and Sepsis: The use of non-sterile instruments often results in systemic infections, which can be fatal.
• Chronic Pain: Long-term physical suffering is a common outcome for survivors.
• Obstetric Complications: In cases of severe mutilation—where the labia are removed and only the urethral and vaginal openings remain—childbirth becomes dangerous or impossible, as the physical obstruction prevents the delivery of the baby.

Legislative Efforts and Cultural Advocacy

For the first time, the Colombian Congress is debating a bill specifically aimed at banning FGM. This legislative push is being led by women from within the Embera community itself.

These leaders are actively challenging the external narrative that portrays their culture as inherently violent or inferior. They argue that FGM is not an authentic reflection of their identity but rather a practice that was "forced upon" them. By seeking legal intervention, these women aim to protect future generations while preserving the positive aspects of their heritage. One leader expressed this sentiment: "It’s not part of who we are because our culture is very beautiful."

Global Context and Statistics

The issue in Colombia is part of a broader global crisis. According to United Nations data, approximately 230 million women and girls worldwide are subjected to FGM annually. This statistic highlights the scale of the challenge in eradicating a practice that is deeply embedded in various cultural and social structures across the globe.

Conclusion

The situation among the Embera people represents a critical intersection of human rights, cultural preservation, and public health. The transition from traditional practice to legislative prohibition is being driven by internal community leaders who recognize the physical dangers of FGM. The success of the proposed bill in the Colombian Congress would mark a significant milestone in the global effort to eradicate FGM and protect the health and autonomy of women and girls.