FGM is typically carried out by traditional practitioners who lack medical qualifications, although in some areas, medical professionals may also perform FGM.

Women and children are often subjected to FGM without their consent and are physically restrained.

FGM is frequently conducted using razors, knives, scissors, or shards of glass, commonly without the application of antiseptics or anesthesia.

TYPE 1

Excision of the clitoris (clitoridectomy) and sometimes removal of the prepuce (the fold of skin around the clitoris).

TYPE 2

Complete removal of the clitoris, the inner labia (vaginal lips), and in some cases, the removal of the outer labia (majora). This procedure is also known as excision.

TYPE 3

Narrowing of the vaginal opening by cutting and stitching the labia to create a seal. This is also referred to as infibulation.

TYPE 4

Any other harmful procedures on the female genitalia, such as cutting, scraping, pricking, burning, and piercing.

SOURCES

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/#:~:text=Types%20of%20FGM&text=type%201%20(clitoridectomy)%20%E2%80%93%20removing,majora%20the%20larger%20outer%20lips)

• http://nationalfgmcentre.org.uk/fgm/

• Images adapted from: https://uksaysnomore.org/fgm/