Dorkenoo E
Family and Reproductive Health Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
World Health Stat Q. 1996;49(2):142-7.
Female genital mutilation (FGM)-sometimes locally referred to as "female circumcision"-is a deeply rooted traditional practice that adversely affects the health of girls and women. At present it is estimated that over 120 million girls and women have undergone some form of genital mutilation and that 2 million girls per year are at risk. Most of the girls and women affected live in 28 African countries where the prevalence of female genital mutilation is estimated to range from 5% to 98%. The elimination of female genital mutilation will not only improve women's and children's health; it will also promote gender equity and women's empowerment in the communities where the practice persists. To achieve change will require more planning, and more sustained programmes for its elimination. The political will of governments is essential in order to eliminate this harmful traditional practice and concerted efforts from all concerned are required.
女性生殖器切割（FGM）——有时在当地被称为“女性割礼”——是一种根深蒂固的传统习俗，对女孩和妇女的健康产生不利影响。目前估计，超过1.2亿女孩和妇女经历过某种形式的生殖器切割，每年有200万女孩面临风险。受影响的大多数女孩和妇女生活在28个非洲国家，据估计，这些国家女性生殖器切割的发生率在5%至98%之间。消除女性生殖器切割不仅将改善妇女和儿童的健康；还将促进存在这种习俗的社区中的性别平等和妇女赋权。要实现变革需要更多规划以及更持续的消除计划。政府的政治意愿对于消除这种有害的传统习俗至关重要，需要所有相关方共同努力。
