Today in the universe in which we live in, “three million girls and women are subjected to female genital mutilation worldwide each year. That’s 8000 girls per day.” (END FGM) This ancient ritual is extensively practiced throughout many parts of Africa and the Middle East. (Female Genital Cutting) Female genital mutilation, also known as, FGM, is a type of surgical procedure that involves either partial or complete removal of external genitalia of women of all women of all ages, even as young as babies. (UNICEF) Not only does this practice violate the rights that women and children possess, but also; it goes against their rights as human beings through forcing them to endure inhuman surgical treatments. Female genital mutilation is practiced…show more content… Well, according to Mrs. Nejeri, a defender of FGM, “circumcision makes women clean, promotes virginity and chastity and guards young girls from sexual frustrations by deadening their sexual appetite.” (STOP Female Genital Mutilation) For many women, making the choice to have a FGM is because of their religion. The whole idea of FGM is that it provides women with a sort of cultural identity. (END FGM) What this means is that, this ritual is view as being a major initiative for girls entering adulthood. Mother’s choose this for their daughters, just like Mrs. Nejeri, primarily because they want to protect their child’s reputation. Through going through this process, it makes it easier to marry off one daughter for a large sum of money and provides a good reputation to the family name. (STOP Female Genital Mutilation) Not only is FGM performed for sexual control of girls but also as a sign of good hygiene. People who do not go through the procedure are regarded as being dirty and worthless. This makes it a challenge to do every day chores because they are not allowed to handle food nor water in fear that they may contaminate their families and those around them. (STOP Female Genital…show more content… This is another reason for why FGM is considered to be a human rights violation. According to the UK All Parliamentary Group on Population Development and Reproduction Health, “Female Genital Mutilation is a fundamental human rights issue with adverse health and social implications...(it) violates the rights of girls and women to bodily integrity and results in perpetuating gender inequality.” (WHO) In 2003, an act for female genital mutilation was passed in the United Kingdom called the “Female Genital Mutilation Act.” Passing this made FGM a major offense. (Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003) Any associations to the FGM practice can be charged severely. Even taking part in the procedure outside of the UK is considered to be an offence and frowned down upon. For committing this crime, the penalty is to serve time for to fourteen years. (Female Genital Mutilation Act