Campaigners and activists and calling to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ireland.
The practice, which involves the removal or cutting of the external female genitalia, is most often found in countries in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
However, it is estimated that up to 6,000 women and girls in Ireland have also been subjected to FGM, which is illegal in this country.
Action Aid is calling to end FGM by running a project in Cork to help those who are most vulnerable.
It is thought that 2,600 women and girls currently living in Ireland are still at risk of the practice.
Action Aid’s Dr Caroline Munyi has said that FGM is a violation of young women’s human rights.
She said:
“Here in Ireland, it’s a problem. We have it now because of migration due to people coming from practising countries.
“When people migrate they also bring their culture with them, the good and the bad aspects of the culture.
“Female genital mutilation is a harmful cultural practice and a violation of the rights of women and girls.”
FGM is not just a violation of human rights, it’s also an incredibly dangerous practice.
The World Health Organisation had said that the practice should never be performed as it has no benefits for women.
The procedure can cause severe bleeding, cysts, infections, and problems with urination.
Later on, FGM can also lead to childbirth complications and an increase in newborn deaths.
The practice is most commonly carried out on girls between the ages of infancy and 15-years-old.
More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries around the world.
