Female Genital

Mutilation

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

FGM: Definition

“All procedures which involve, partial or total

removal of the female external genitalia, or

any other injury to the female genital organs,

for non-therapeutic reasons”

FGM can also be known as

Cutting

Sunna

The Bundu Society

Female circumcision

Angurya cuts

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION FGM: Classification

Type 1 Clitoridectomy Partial/total removal of the clitoris and/or prepuce.

Type 2 Excision Partial/total removal of the clitoris and labia minora, with without excision of the labia majora.

Type 3 Infibulation Narrowing the vaginal orifice with creation of a covering by cutting and apposing the labia minora or majora, with or without removing the clitoris.

Type 4 Unclassified Pricking, piercing, stretching, cauterising the clitoris/labia, scraping of tissue introduction of corrosive substances to cause bleeding/tighten the vagina.

Who is at risk 2 million girls around the world every

year are mutilated

Mainly African and Middle Eastern countries and alarmingly now in the immigrant population of Europe, America and Australia

It is estimated that as many as 20,000 girls are at risk of FGM within the UK every year

Any girl is at risk – usually between 4-14

Also: Indonesia

Malaysia

Afghanistan

Iran

Israel

Oman

Palestine

United Arab Emirates

India

Pakistan

(UNICEF 2013)

Reasons / Beliefs for FGM

It brings respect

It preserves virginity / chastity

Upholds family honour

Cleanses and purifies

Brings sense of belonging to the community

Hygienic / aesthetically desirable

perpetuates custom / tradition

No health benefits FGM has no health benefits and it harms girls and women in many ways

It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue and interferes with the natural functions of the girls’ and women's bodies

Immediate complications can include severe pain, shock, haemorrhage (bleeding), tetanus or sepsis (bacterial infection), urine retention, open sores in the genital region and injury to nearby genital tissue

Emotional and psychological harm

Health Consequences Potential Long-Term

Recurrent Bladder and urinary tract infections

Difficulties with menstruation

Infertility

Sexual dysfunction/Psychological /Flashbacks

An increased risk of childbirth complications and infant mortality

HIV

Death

Septicaemia

Cysts

Human Rights

“Female Genital Mutilation is a fundamental human rights issue with adverse health and social implications… (it) violates the rights of girls and women to bodily integrity and results in perpetuating gender inequality”

UK All Parliamentary Group on Population Development and

Reproductive Health (2000)

But it doesn’t happen here?

Contrary to beliefs this abuse happens within the UK

As practicing communities migrate to the UK the abuse becomes more prevalent.

Awareness has been raised knowledge shared and legalities given

Two reports refine data by using language as an indicator of FGM prevalence

Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003

Offence to commit FGM

Offence to aid, abet, counsel or procure a girl to commit FGM

Offence for someone in the UK to aid, abet, counsel or procure FGM outside of UK that is carried out by a person who isn’t a UK national or resident

Any act done outside UK by UK National or resident

Leeds Moving Forward City Wide Conference 16th September 2014

Leeds Moving Forward

Launch of FGM Conference Report

Leeds Moving Forward

Commissioned Work from Public Health Leeds

City Council

www.blackhealthinitiative.org

Black Health Initiative

@BHILeeds

#FGMLeeds

admin@bhileeds.org.uk

For further information