Female genital mutilation in India

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Female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced by some groups in India, especially the Dawoodi Bohra, a sect of Shia Islam. Other Bohra groups and some Sunni communities in parts of India have also been linked to the practice. FGM is usually performed on girls around seven years old. It can involve partial or total removal or injury to the external female genital organs and is done by a traditional practitioner using a knife. The procedure can be Type I to Type IV, and it is sometimes called khatna, khafz, or khafd.

FGMs can cause a range of problems. Immediate issues include pain, bleeding, and infection. In the long term, women may face urinary problems, difficulties in childbirth, and, in some cases, serious infections or sepsis. Some girls and women also experience psychological effects, such as trauma or anxiety.

The practice is controversial because it is tied to culture and religion. Some leaders in the Bohra community say it is part of their religious tradition, while others say people should follow the laws of the country. Campaigns and petitions have called for banning FGM in India. In 2011 a Dawoodi Bohra woman started an online petition to stop it; groups in Mumbai later organized discussions during Ramadan to raise awareness.

Studies and surveys have shown mixed results. One informal Bohra survey found that about 80% of respondents’ daughters had undergone FGM, and many wanted it to stop. Some researchers note that in small studies, many girls had their clitoral hood removed, and a large portion reported discomfort or irritation afterward. However, other voices in the community argue that some women feel FGM is a harmless tradition and that banning it would infringe on religious freedom.

The government and courts have debated the issue. In 2017 a public interest petition asked the Supreme Court to ban FGM in India. The government said there was no official data proving FGM is common in the country. Later, the Supreme Court asked for more discussion and referred the issue to a larger bench to decide whether FGM is an essential part of religion or a harmful practice. This debate continues, showing how complex the issue is in India.

Efforts to raise awareness continue. International organizations mark days to promote zero tolerance for FGM and have launched campaigns to involve men and boys in ending the practice. In 2017, the Dawoodi Bohra Women for Religious Freedom (DBWRF) was formed to defend Bohra women’s rights while maintaining cultural and religious identity. Some Bohra groups insist on respecting the law of the land and on protecting women’s health.

In summary, FGM in India is mainly associated with the Dawoodi Bohra community and some related groups. It is a highly contested issue, linked to culture, religion, and women’s rights. While there is no definitive nationwide data showing it is common, the practice has prompted legal challenges, activism, and ongoing public discussion about how to protect girls and women's health and freedom.