Ewha Womans UniversityInstitute for Development and Human Security

Sexual Violence

Somewhere in the world, a girl dies every 10 minutes due to violence. Approximately 1.3 million adolescents die from infectious diseases, pregnancy and childbirth complications, and injuries, with 45% of these deaths being girls and 10% attributed to violence. The highest rates of violence-related deaths are found in South Asia, where nearly 30,000 girls died in 2012 alone. This translates to a mortality rate of 19 per 100,000, more than double the global average. Gender is a critical factor in determining the patterns of violence-related deaths. While most boys who die from violence are killed by strangers, only 6% are killed by close acquaintances like family members, whereas 47% of girls who die from violence are killed by family members or intimate partners.

Sexual violence experienced during childhood or adolescence has profound impacts on physical, mental, and social development. Girls who have experienced sexual violence are more likely to encounter domestic violence, dating violence, sexual exploitation, or prostitution later in life. Early pregnancies often result from sexual violence or rape. Sexual violence can take various forms, including unwanted physical contact, sexual language, or imagery. Even in the absence of physical coercion, emotional and psychological manipulation, threats, deceit, and traps can inflict severe and enduring trauma.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia or the sewing together of the genitalia to prevent sexual intercourse. This practice is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women, and it represents one of the most severe forms of discrimination and gender inequality.

FGM is commonly performed in unhygienic conditions, leading to various complications, immense pain, and trauma. Research by the World Health Organization has shown that women who have undergone FGM face greater risks during childbirth, such as severe bleeding. Post-procedure, women often experience significant pain during intercourse, decreased sexual satisfaction, and reduced sexual desire, which impairs their ability to have a healthy sex life. Long-term effects can include chronic vaginitis, menstrual disorders, and urethritis.

FGM is practiced in over 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, affecting more than 200 million girls and women, primarily those under the age of 15. The reasons for FGM are largely rooted in socio-cultural factors within families and communities. In some cultures, FGM is viewed as a long-standing tradition and a necessary rite of passage, making it very challenging to eradicate due to its deep cultural entrenchment.

The international community is actively working to eliminate FGM through various efforts. These include educating policymakers, educators, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and communities in countries where FGM is practiced about its risks, and advocating for the creation of laws that prohibit the practice. After the enactment of such laws, efforts are made to monitor their implementation and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted. Additionally, campaigns are conducted to change societal attitudes and reduce discrimination against women, which are often the root causes of FGM.