A staggering 125 million women around the world have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) and it is an issue that for too long has been neglected. Tonight on BBC3, Zawe Ashton lifts the lid on the hidden world of FGM in a hard-hitting one-off Comic Relief documentary, 'Stop Cutting Our Girls: A Comic Relief Special'. Here are 10 things you need to know about FGM:
What do you know about FGM?
FGM includes procedures that intentionally remove and injure all or parts of the female external genital organs for non-medical reasons. There are no health benefits to FGM
The procedure is traditionally carried out by a woman with little or no medical training. Anaesthetics and antiseptic treatments are not generally used meaning the risk of infection is high
The causes of FGM include a mix of cultural, religious and social factors within families and communities. Individuals continue to undergo it because they believe that their society expects them to do so and if they don't comply will face adverse social consequences
There are three million girls at risk of FGM across Africa every year. FGM is practised in around 28 countries across the continent but growing political support to end FGM has now made it illegal in 24 African countries
The practice of FGM is illegal in the UK. It is an offence for anyone to perform FGM in the UK or to arrange for a girl to be taken abroad for the procedure even if it is legal in that country. Despite this, the NHS sees 15 new cases every day and there are thought to be 24,000 girls under the age of 15 at risk in the UK
The school holidays are when girls are most at risk. This is known as 'cutting season' where British girls are flown abroad to undergo FGM - giving them time to heal from the cut before school starts again
FGM is a human rights violation. The practice is the most extreme manifestation of discrimination against women and girls. The UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women states that FGM amounts to torture
FGM is associated with cultural ideals of femininity and modesty this includes the notion that girls are "clean" and "beautiful" after removal of body parts that are considered "male" or "unclean". It is also considered by many to be a rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood and is believed to keep girls chaste and faithful to their spouses
FGM can cause serious health issues in later life, both physical and emotional. These include recurrent bladder and urinary tract infections, cysts, infertility and menstrual problems
FGM has been a hidden issue. FGM has been a taboo topic rarely discussed among practicing communities but it is now time to break the silence. Many brave women, men, girls and boys are speaking out and making a stand against FGM. Red Nose Day cash is helping to stop the cycle of FGM and to end the practice in just one generation
Watch 'Stop Cutting Our Girls: A Comic Relief Special' Wednesday 11th March at 10pm on BBC Three