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- RISK is the Swedish acronym for the national association for ending female genital mutilation (FGM). It is a nongovernmental organization that has no political or religious affiliation.
- Persons from different countries began coming to Sweden in the 1970s in increasing numbers. Many came with nothing more than their small hand luggage, but everyone came with the whole of his/her culture and tradition. One tradition that accompanied some of them was the practice of FGM … (full text about).
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FGM – Female Genital Mutilation: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice of violence against the body of the female person. But it is not carried out with the intention of doing harm. It is based on many centuries of tradition.
Like such kind of other practices, it is performed without questioning if it should be continued. The reasons why it was started in the first place are mostly lost in stories that are taken to be true. Some social reasons, as being unable to find a husband, have given added weight to the practice.
Even if not intended to harm the female person against whom it is practised, FGM is contrary to principles and rules of fundamental human rights that are accepted in modern times.
Swedish Law against FGM:
FGM has been made an offence in Sweden since 1982. In 1999 an ordinary offence of FGM has been made punishable by up to 4 years of imprisonment; in very grave cases, the punishment could be at least 2 years and at most 10 years of imprisonment. If the offence is committed by a resident in Sweden while in another country, it will also be punishable in Sweden.
RISK and its branch associations have greatly helped awaken public interest in the campaign against FGM. There is a constant request for information and discussion about the practice from persons in different walks of life. Some girl students have begun writing serious papers about the practice. RISK helps as best as it can all those who request its services. The prospect for the campaign against the practice of FGM is very encouraging.