Female Genital Mutilation“Female Genital Mutilation is a fundamental human rights issue with...
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Female Genital Mutilation
Transcript of Female Genital Mutilation“Female Genital Mutilation is a fundamental human rights issue with...
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
For further information
