FGM Testimony: "The risk of FGM/C being politicised"
Fatima underwent FGM/C as a toddler, with no memories of the procedure. In 2023 the truth of what happened to her fully surfaced, leaving Fatima hurt but determined to ensure no one else around her endures the same. In a society where FGM/C is rarely discussed, her story is a clear call for open dialogue, education, and change.
Discover other stories in our report “The Time is Now: End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)”.
I am a 28-year-old woman from Hithadhoo in the Maldives. My childhood was shaped by an overprotective yet supportive upbringing, with parents who were both conservative and doting, leaving me both sheltered and spoiled. Today, I work in the hospitality industry and live in staff accommodations at a resort where I’ve been for the past eight months. Although I did not attend college, my 15 years of schooling were formative in shaping my perspective. In my free time, I enjoy arts and crafts. My creativity provides solace and an outlet for self-expression, especially as I reflect on my journey and my experience with ‘anhenun hithaanu kurun’ (female genital mutilation/cutting - FGM/C), a practice I have come to understand and oppose deeply.
As a toddler, I underwent a procedure that was later revealed to me as FGM/C. I have no memory of the event itself, only what was described to me. When I was around 16 or 17, I learned that I had undergone a “procedure” as a child. However, it wasn’t until 2023 that I understood the true nature of what had been done.
I was subjected to the procedure by a doctor, and I now understand that the intent was to remove a thin layer from my body. My family was unaware of the details of the procedure or its actual implications. It was something I didn’t know about, something that happened to me without my consent or understanding. When I finally discovered the truth, I felt deeply hurt. I feel it is an unfair practice with consequences that are overlooked.
The physical effects of FGM/C have lingered, but I’ve been fortunate to not experience significant emotional distress beyond the initial hurt upon learning the truth.
I’ve always believed FGM/C is unnecessary, and my stance against it is unwavering. There is no medical or anatomical justification for the practice. This belief fuels my quiet resistance and my hope for a future free from its shadow.
In the Maldives, FGM/C is not a widely discussed topic. It’s considered taboo, making open conversations about it challenging. While I have been able to discuss my experience with some close connections, it is not a subject that is openly acknowledged or debated within families or communities.
The practice has often been linked to religion, which complicates efforts to challenge it. There are cultural and political sensitivities tied to the issue, particularly when religion is used as justification. I worry that if FGM/C is ever reintroduced under the guise of religious necessity, it could cause cultural and political clashes in a society already navigating complex dynamics.
While I haven’t extended my advocacy beyond personal conversations, I am determined not to let anyone in my vicinity undergo the same procedure. My hope is that awareness campaigns can break the taboo surrounding FGM/C, encouraging open discussions and education.
I believe that Maldivians are educated and empowered enough to take a stand against this practice. However, as with many issues, there is a risk of FGM/C being politicised, which could hinder progress.
I envision a future where FGM/C is not only eradicated but where conversations about it can happen without fear or stigma. Awareness campaigns and education must take precedence, and the narrative around the practice must shift. The journey to end FGM/C will be long and difficult, but I hope the practice does not return and is totally wiped out.