Female Genital Mutilation is a form of non-visible disability caused by the act of FGM violence itself. Survivors of FGM live with physical and/or psychological effects that are lifelong and due to the injuries being on the female genitalia,
Experiences vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not identify ongoing effects, while others may require support with pain, bladder or menstrual health, pregnancy and childbirth, emotional wellbeing, travel, work or access to healthcare. A person should never be pressured to disclose that they have subjected to FGM.
FGM related disabilities can be non-apparent
More than 230 million women and girls alive today have been subjected to FGM (WHO / UNICEF)
In most cases, girls are subjected to FGM before the age of 15 although age and circumstances vary (WHO)
FGM has no health benefits and may result in immediate or long-term health complications (WHO)-
Experiences vary and not everyone will experience the same effects or require the same support
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Possible effects may be physical or psychological and may not be immediately visible to other people (WHO)
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Support should be individual and based on the person’s needs, preferences and circumstances
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
Female genital mutilation, commonly known as FGM, refers to procedures involving the partial or total removal of external female genital tissue, or other injury to female genital organs, for non-medical reasons.
FGM may also be described as cutting in some contexts. Some people describe themselves as survivors, while others prefer different language. It is important to follow the individual’s own choice of words and not assign an identity to them.
FGM occurs in different countries and communities worldwide. Assumptions should never be made about a person based on their appearance, nationality, ethnicity, culture or religion.
Possible health effects
Not everyone who has been subjected to FGM will identify ongoing health effects. Where effects occur, they may be long-term, fluctuate over time or remain non-apparent to others.
Physical and reproductive health:
- Persistent or recurring pain, including nerve-related pain or sensitivity
- Scar tissue or discomfort associated with pressure, sitting, clothing or movement
- Difficulty passing urine, bladder symptoms, incontinence or recurring urinary infections
- Menstrual difficulties or discomfort when using some menstrual products
- Pelvic or other gynaecological concerns
- Complications during pregnancy or childbirth
- Discomfort during examinations, procedures or sexual activity
Psychological and emotional wellbeing:
- Anxiety, distress or low mood
- Trauma-related responses
- Difficulty feeling safe in particular situations or environments
- Distress connected with medical examinations, pregnancy, childbirth or intimate relationships
- Concern about privacy, stigma, judgement or being misunderstood
Communication and access to services:
- Difficulty discussing intimate or personal health information
- Concern about disclosing health needs to an employer or service provider
- Language or interpretation barriers
- Previous experiences affecting trust in services
- Difficulty accessing appropriate or specialist healthcare
- Difficulty explaining support needs without a diagnosis or formal documentation
These are possible effects, not a checklist. Each person’s experience and support requirements will be different.
Look out for these Sunflower icons
People may choose the Sunflower icons that reflect their individual support needs. Not everyone who has been subjected to FGM experiences ongoing effects or identifies as disabled.
I have a non-visible disability
I may need more time
I need a quiet or safe place
I may need a place to sit down and rest
Stairs/ramps are a barrier to me
About the Sunflower
The Sunflower is a voluntary indication that someone may need additional time, patience, understanding or support. It is not proof of a diagnosis, disability, medical condition or personal experience, and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower does not assess or certify an individual’s eligibility to wear it.
No one should be asked to explain why they are wearing the Sunflower or disclose private medical or personal information.
Support and safeguarding
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower provides information for awareness and inclusion only. It does not provide individual support or casework, medical or legal advice, counselling, emergency assistance, child-protection or safeguarding services, and it cannot assess or investigate individual circumstances.
Please do not submit personal, medical or safeguarding information through this page. If you or another person may be in immediate danger, contact the emergency services in your country. For non-emergency concerns, contact a qualified healthcare professional or an appropriate local safeguarding or specialist organisation.
Available services, safeguarding procedures and legal responsibilities vary between countries.
Important note
This information is intended for awareness and education only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used to identify or diagnose any condition. If you have concerns, please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Sources
World Health Organization (WHO) – Female genital mutilation: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
World Health Organization (WHO) – Health risks of female genital mutilation: https://www.who.int/teams/sexual-and-reproductive-health-and-research-(srh)/areas-of-work/female-genital-mutilation/health-risks-of-female-genital-mutilation
UNICEF Data – Female genital mutilation statistics: https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-protection/female-genital-mutilation/
UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation: https://www.unfpa.org/unfpa-unicef-joint-programme-elimination-female-genital-mutilation
The content on this page has been reviewed by The Vavengers, July 2026. For further information, please visit https://thevavengers.co.uk/