Pass the Mic: A Survivor’s Perspective on How Midwives Can Help End Female Genital Mutilation

Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health, and the bodily integrity of girls and women. Over 200 million women alive today have undergone this harmful practice, facing severe physical, emotional, and social consequences.
Girls who undergo FGM face short-term complications such as severe pain, shock, excessive bleeding, and infections, as well as long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
Although primarily concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a universal issue and is also practiced in some countries in Asia and Latin America.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on February 6, amplifies survivor voices, raises awareness, and inspires action to end this practice. It reminds us that the fight against FGM is about ensuring dignity, equality, and autonomy for all.
To highlight the urgency of this issue, we are passing the mic to Catherine Chacha, a midwife, nurse and passionate advocate from Kenya. As a survivor of FGM, Catherine challenges harmful cultural norms and shares insights on how healthcare professionals and communities can achieve zero tolerance for FGM.
Q: Tell us your story and how you became an advocate against FGM.
My name is Catherine, and I come from Migori County, Kenya. I am a nurse/midwife and am finalising my master’s degree in field epidemiology. I became an advocate against FGM because of my personal experience as a survivor.
I underwent FGM at the age of 12. At the time, my parents lived in an urban area and were well-educated, but the decision to have me cut was influenced by my grandmother, who held significant power in our family. She arranged for the procedure to be performed by a healthcare provider, believing this would make it safer. But FGM is violence, no matter how or where it is done. The experience was physically painful and emotionally traumatic, leaving scars that I still carry to this day.
When I began my education in nursing and midwifery, I was hesitant to share my story. I feared being thought less of or judged by my peers, and the stigma surrounding FGM made it even harder to open up. But as I progressed in my studies, I realised this issue is far too widespread and carries so much shame that it needed a voice. I decided to raise mine so that others could feel empowered to do the same.
After that realisation, I vowed to break the cycle. My younger sisters did not undergo FGM because my family and I stood firm against it. This commitment, along with my work, has driven my advocacy to end FGM. I use my voice to educate, support survivors, and challenge harmful cultural norms that sustain this practice.
Q: What are some of the biggest misconceptions about FGM, and how does it affect women and girls globally?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that FGM is a cultural rite of passage that defines womanhood. However, culture should not come at the expense of dignity and human rights. FGM causes severe pain, lifelong complications, and psychological trauma.
Another myth is that FGM is necessary for marriageability. In many communities, it is believed to enhance a girl’s prospects by proving her purity or reducing her libido. But this is simply not true.
Finally, some people believe that FGM is less harmful when performed by a healthcare professional. This is not the case. Medicalisation does not make FGM safe; it is still a violation of human rights and causes immense physical and emotional harm.
Q: Why do you see FGM as not just a health issue but a gender equality issue?
FGM undermines women’s dignity and self-esteem. The act of cutting is often performed publicly, stripping women of their privacy and autonomy. FGM is often performed very early in a woman’s life, sending the message that it is acceptable for others to make decisions over women’s bodies from the very start.
Beyond the negative physical health effects, FGM also perpetuates broader cycles of gender inequality. It exposes girls to child marriage, early pregnancies, and economic disempowerment. These inequalities limit their ability to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society. To end FGM is to take a stand for gender equality and the human rights of all women and girls.
Q: What role can midwives and other healthcare professionals play in ending FGM?
Midwives and nurses are critical in this fight because they are trusted figures in their communities. Midwives and nurses are uniquely positioned to talk to families about this issue from as early as preconception, providing families with the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions.
A key approach is person-centred communication, which means engaging with individuals based on their specific cultural and social contexts. Instead of imposing blanket messages, midwives should listen to the reasons families give for continuing FGM and gently challenge those beliefs with empathy and evidence.
Midwives also have a responsibility to advocate for zero tolerance within their own profession. Unfortunately, some healthcare workers still perpetuate and legitimise FGM through medicalisation. We need to ensure that midwives and all health professionals understand there is no medical benefit to FGM and that performing it violates both professional ethics and human rights.
Q: What message would you like to share with governments, organisations, and individuals working to eradicate FGM?
We need to move beyond the norm and take bold, innovative actions. First, invest in nurses and midwives as key players in this conversation. Their voices and expertise are invaluable in reaching communities.
Second, involve survivors in advocacy efforts. We know where it hurts most and can bring unique perspectives to the fight against FGM. Survivor networks should be supported to amplify their stories and mentor young girls to resist this practice.
Finally, focus on community-centred approaches. Listen to the people, understand their cultural contexts, and address their concerns with compassion and respect. Policies and laws are important, but they must be accompanied by actionable steps at the grassroots level. Together we can ensure that no girl becomes another statistic.