FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION : THE UNTOLD STORY OF INDIA

Female Genital Mutilation is a human rights violation that is practised in India. The Bohra community uses it extensively. FGM/C is thought to be practised for non-medical or cultural reasonsas well as to protect a women virginity before marriage by limiting her enjoyment of intercourse and to deter her from becoming disloyal to her husband after marriage. Hence, FGM/C not only violates the right to life and dignitybut it also clearly violates the right to equality based on gender. The intent, purpose and impact of male and female circumcision are all distinct resulting in gender discrimination.Thus, it is pertinent to note that such cruelty is prevalent in India with female children aged 1 to 15 years being victims of Female Genital Mutilation.