Abstract

PIP: Female circumcision/female genital mutilation (FC/FGM) is the collective name given to several different traditional practices that involve the cutting of female genitals. The WHO has grouped them in four categories: type 1: Clitoridectomy; type 2: Excision; type 3: Infibulation; and type 4: Unclassified. Reports indicate that an estimated 130 million girls and women have undergone FC/FGM and that it is practiced in 28 countries in the sub-Saharan and northeastern regions of Africa. As part of the growing movement to stop this human rights violation, numerous UN bodies and nongovernmental organizations such as the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy (CRLP) and RAINBO work together to monitor government responses. Presented in a questionnaire form, two authors Anika Rahman, CRLP's International Program Director, and Nahid Toubia, Director of RAINBO, discuss their recent book collaboration, "Female Genital Mutilation: A Guide to Laws and Policies Worldwide". The issues covered in the interview include the purpose of the book, reasons why FC/FGM is considered a human rights violation rather than a threat to women's health, role of international agencies in the eradication of the practice, and the effects of formal laws and policies in eliminating FC/FGM.