Clitoraid

Non-profit organization focused on clitoral restoration surgery

Clitoraid is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clitoral restoration surgery to victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). Founded in 2006 by Raël, the leader of the Raelian Movement, Clitoraid aims to help women who have suffered from FGM regain physical and emotional well-being through surgical intervention.

History

Clitoraid was established with the mission to offer free clitoral repair surgery to women who have undergone FGM, a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The organization was inspired by the work of French urologist Pierre Foldès, who developed a surgical technique to reconstruct the clitoris and restore its function.

The organization gained international attention for its efforts to build a hospital in Burkina Faso dedicated to performing clitoral restoration surgeries. This facility, known as the "Pleasure Hospital," was intended to provide free services to FGM victims. However, the project faced numerous challenges, including opposition from local authorities and cultural resistance.

Activities

Clitoraid organizes surgical missions in various countries, where volunteer surgeons perform clitoral restoration surgeries. These missions are often held in collaboration with local medical professionals and aim to raise awareness about the consequences of FGM and the possibilities for recovery.

Clitoraid event promoting awareness and support for clitoral restoration surgery

In addition to surgical interventions, Clitoraid provides psychological support and counseling to FGM survivors. The organization also engages in educational campaigns to inform communities about the harms of FGM and advocate for its eradication.

Controversies

Clitoraid's association with the Raelian Movement has been a source of controversy. Critics have questioned the motives behind the organization's activities, suggesting that they may be linked to the movement's broader agenda. Despite this, Clitoraid maintains that its primary focus is on humanitarian efforts to assist FGM victims.

Impact

Clitoraid has contributed to the global discourse on FGM by highlighting the potential for surgical and psychological recovery. The organization's work has empowered many women to reclaim their bodies and improve their quality of life. Through its advocacy and educational initiatives, Clitoraid continues to challenge the cultural norms that perpetuate FGM.

Related pages

• Female genital mutilation
• Raelian Movement
• Pierre Foldès