Female Genital Mutilation: A Gross Violation of Human Rights

How many of us are aware of the Female Genital Mutilation that has been taking place across various communities all over the world since ages? Even if people are aware, how many of them have taken an initiative to raise their voice against such an inhumane practice? Isn’t it a gross violation of not just human rights but also the fundamental rights guaranteed to every citizen? Why has this practice been allowed in India under the blanket of Article 26 of the Constitution? There are a number of such questions which will be studied in this paper. In India, Female Genital Mutilation has been in practice since 1400 years and has now become an integral part of the Dawoodi Bohra community who regard it as an essential practice for their religious sect. However, the world has been witness to such an atrocious act since ages and it is still being carried on in several regions of several countries in the world. But in the recent times, this practice has been facing a lot of criticism. This paper looks into the concepts related to the practice of Female Genital Mutilation as well as several cases relating to it all over the world and how new legislations are being introduced to curb this practise. It further goes on to analyse certain data found regarding Female Genital Mutilation and suggests solutions to counter this menace.