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             Female genital mutilation (FGM) is also referred to as Female Circumcision. The World Health Organization defines it as the "partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whether for cultural or any other non-therapeutic reason ". The origin of FGM is unclear and predates Islam but there is no defined origin of the practice (see what you can find on it). The World Health Organization classifies FGM into four types:.

             Type I involves the excision of the prepuce with or without excision of part or .

             all of the clitoris.

             Type II excision of the prepuce and clitoris together with partial or total .

             excision of the labia minora.

             Type III excision of part or all of the external genitalia and stitching or .

             narrowing of the vaginal opening, also known as infibulations. This is.

             the most extreme form and constitutes 15 per cent of all cases. It .

             involves the use of thorns, silk or catgut to stitch the two sides of.

             the vulva. A bridge of scar tissue then forms over the vagina.

             which leaves only a small opening (from the size of a matchstick head).

             for the passage of urine and menstrual blood.

             Type IV includes pricking, piercing or incision of the clitoris and/or the labia; stretching of the clitoris and or the labia; cauterization or burning of the clitoris and surrounding tissues, scraping of the vaginal orifice or cutting (Gishiri cuts) of the vagina and introduction of corrosive substances or herbs into the vagina.

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             According to WHO approximately 138 million African women have undergone FGM worldwide, up to 80 per cent have undergone type I or II. The procedure is carried out at a variety of ages, but most commonly occurs between the ages of four and eight.