A Study on Human Rights Protection and Legal Reform against Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) persists as a significant human rights issue globally, and its prevalence in India underscores entrenched cultural traditions that contradict the tenets of dignity, equality, and bodily autonomy. Currently, women and girls are less prone to have FGM compared to previous decades; yet, the practice remains nearly universal in certain nations. Female genital mutilation endures mostly due to the perpetuation of traditional beliefs and customs throughout countries. UNICEF reports that a minimum of 200 million women and girls have experienced this practice in 30 countries, predominantly in Asia and Africa. The researcher aims to underscore the severity of this issue in India and the extent to which victims remain mostly unacknowledged. Although FGM is acknowledged as a detrimental traditional practice inflicting physical, psychological, and societal damage on women and girls, deficiencies in legislation and enforcement have obstructed its effective elimination. The article rigorously assesses legal statutes pertaining to FGM, emphasizing the pressing necessity for enhanced protective measures. The report recommends extensive policy interventions, awareness programs, and community-based measures to promote the cessation of the practice. This research emphasizes the necessity of collaborative action to safeguard women and girls from the detrimental practice of FGM by addressing human rights issues and reinforcing legal and social frameworks, so ensuring their rights to health, dignity, and equality.