Female Genital Mutilation: Colombia Moves to Ban Harmful Practice

Context: Female Genital Mutilation
Colombia’s Senate approved legislation to ban Female Genital Mutilation, becoming the first country in Latin America to prohibit the practice, which continues in some indigenous communities.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation refers to practices involving partial or total removal or injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Why It Matters

• Violation of bodily autonomy.
• Violation of dignity and human rights.
• Linked to gender-based violence.
• Causes physical, psychological and reproductive health harms.

GS1: Women Issues

• Patriarchal control over women’s bodies.
• Harmful traditional practices.
• Gender inequality and social reform.

GS2: Human Rights and Social Justice

• Protection of women and girls from violence.
• Role of law in ending harmful practices.
• State responsibility to protect bodily autonomy and dignity.

Mains Value

This example can be used in answers on:

• Women’s rights
• Human rights
• Gender justice
• Social reform
• Bodily autonomy
• Harmful traditional practices