FGM (Flexi Case)

This painting is about FGM. Female Genital Mutilation is a horrendous and deeply traumatic procedure, where the most intimate parts of young girls' bodies are forcibly cut, often without anesthesia, medical care, or any regard for their wellbeing. These girls endure excruciating pain, not only in that terrifying moment, but often for the rest of their lives. The physical consequences can include chronic infections, severe bleeding, complications in childbirth, and lifelong sexual dysfunction. The emotional and psychological scars run just as deep: trauma, anxiety, depression, and a shattered sense of safety and self.

There are no medical or scientific benefits to this brutal act. None. It is a violation of basic human rights, of dignity, of childhood innocence.

And yet, despite all of this, it continues, often hidden behind the shield of tradition or cultural practice. But violence is violence, no matter what name it wears. No tradition, no belief, no social norm can ever justify inflicting such pain and lifelong suffering on a child.

Silence allows this cruelty to continue. When we shy away from speaking out because it feels uncomfortable or because we fear offending cultural sensibilities, we unintentionally become complicit. We create space for this violence to persist in the shadows. We enable the abuse of countless little girls who have no voice and no power to defend themselves.

We must speak. We must raise awareness. We must advocate for these girls who deserve protection, freedom, and the right to grow up whole. Both physically and emotionally. Every child deserves to live free from harm. And every voice raised against Female Genital Mutilation brings us one step closer to ending this unimaginable cruelty.