Author:

Dr Ananya Guha Roy
Associate Professor
Department of Political Science
Nakshalbari College, Naxalbari, West Bengal

Email: ananyaguharoy1982@gmail.Com

Abstract:: A gendered harmful practice, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a manifestation of gender inequality deeply rooted in social, political and economic structures. It also represents societal control over girls and women and perpetuates normative gender roles that are unjust and harmful. India has travelled a long path after completing seventy – six years of independence from the foreign bondage. It has proved remarkable progress in the field of science and technology, education and economics. But some unpleasant questions arise when we give a closer look as to the real conditions of women in the so called ‘progressive’ Indian society. It has been practiced in the ‘Bohra’ community in India. It can lead to health consequences that affect girls’ and women’s physical, mental and sexual health and well-being. World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly urges health care providers not to perform FGM and has developed a global strategy and specific materials to support health care providers against medicalization. This paper attempts to discuss this most sensitive issuen since its origin. It will focus on its different types, prevalence as well as the risk factors related to it. Some recommendations have also been mentioned at the end to stop this inhuman practice.

Key Words::Bohra, Medicalization, Violation of Human Rights, World Health Organisation.