Red roses are universally recognized symbols of love, but when they are sewn together to resemble mutilated labia amidst a bed of bloodied roses, the dissonance of female genital mutilation (FGM) becomes starkly apparent. FGM is a harmful practice performed on young girls in the name of purity and acceptability to men, with no health benefits and numerous adverse consequences. The moody and closely cropped photograph sheds light on the hidden reality of FGM, enabling open discussions and advocacy for its eradication. By bringing FGM out of secrecy and into public awareness, this powerful image challenges the status quo and calls for an end to this inhumane practice.


Manjari Dutta is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist from Kathmandu, Nepal.