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CRUEL: A baby cries before she is mutilated

WARNING: The descriptive nature of some parts of this article is not for the faint-hearted

THIS week marks the eighth International Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Day on February 6.
Highlighting the issue of FGM and seeking to improve the quality of life of vulnerable African girls and women is FORWARD (Foundation for Women's Health Research and Development); an African Diaspora charity, which has campaigned for countless years to end FGM around the world.

Here, Janelle Oswald speaks to FORWARD’s Executive Director Naana Otoo-Oyortey, OBE, and Policy and Information Officer Estelle Robinson to learn about the myths and realities of this widely condemned practice.

What is FGM, and who practises it?

FGM is sometimes called Female Genital Cutting (FGC) or Female Circumcision (FC) and involves the removal of part of the external female genitalia for socio cultural reasons.
People practice it because it is something that their mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers have practiced for a very long time and the primary reasons for the practice of FGM are marriage, sexual control and economics for many communities.
There are four types of FGM. Type one is where the clitoris or the clitoral hood is cut off. Type two is where the clitoris and inner lips are removed.

Type three is where the clitoris, inner lips and outer lips are cut away and the remaining skin is sewn or sealed, leaving only a small opening (infibulation). And type four is all other harmful practices, which could include pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping and burning.

SAD: A young girl is held down before undergoing FGM

What is the biggest myth about FGM?

The biggest myth about FGM is that it is a religious/Islamic obligation. But there is no evidence to suggest that FGM is required by Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or any other religion.
Islamic scholars and clerics have stressed that Islam forbids people from inflicting harm on others, and that those putting their daughters through FGM, or carrying out or aiding FGM, are going against the teachings of Islam.
However, FGM is not only practised by Muslims but is also common among Christians, particular Coptic Christians in Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Further myths that surround the female genitalia include its impact on hygiene, basic biology (e.g. it will grow, it will damage the baby), sexuality and fidelity. The reality is that so many different reasons are given to justify this practice.

Is FGM only an African problem?

No. While FGM is predominantly seen to be an African problem – and is practiced in at over 28 countries in Africa – it is also prevalent in parts of the Middle East and South East Asia.
FGM is also a major issue of concern in Australia, Europe and North America. This is a result of the increased migration of affected communities.

TRADITIONS: Some of the instruments used for the practice

Does FGM take place in the UK?

It is practiced in the UK on girls including British born girls from families from FGM-affected countries. In the UK, current estimates indicate that over 100,000 women have been affected by FGM in England and Wales alone.
The European Parliament estimates that over 500,000 women and girls have undergone FGM within Europe. Unpublished data from the Midwifery Department of City University indicates that between 2007 and 2009, about 7000 women affected by FGM delivered babies in UK hospitals.

What can readers do to fight against FGM?

FGM is a global human rights violation and requires action at a global level to ensure effective accountability and action to end this practice. As we mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM on February 6, this is a time for global action. It would be great to ask the UK government to put in place a national action plan to tackle FGM.
Action areas required for readers include writing to your local MP to influence the UK government to take more proactive action to end FGM in the UK and to provide development assistance to end it globally. Join campaigns at local levels to support community-based organisations to empower communities to end FGM and join the global move to end FGM and raise your voice.

What medical help is available for women who have been affected by FGM?

In the UK, girls and women who have had FGM and experience health complications can access specialist health services that meet their specific needs.
GPs, or health care professional (e.g. midwives or health visitors) are there to help with any health issues associated with FGM. Some hospitals and clinics also provide specialist FGM services in their African Well Women Clinics.
These free specialist services provide a wide range of medical support, advice and information to any girl or woman who has undergone FGM.

REALITY: S blunt and dirty instrument used to carry out FGM

How does male circumcision differ from FGM?

Physically, in male circumcision only the foreskin is removed without harming the penis itself. If male circumcision was the same as FGM for women, then most of the penis would be cut off.
Psychologically and medically, there are more lasting damage inflicted on a woman who has undergone FGM than a man who has undergone male circumcision.
But the most important differences are the reasons behind the practices. FGM is carried out as a societal control on women.
Unlike FGM, male circumcision is not performed to preserve virginity or to decrease male sexual desire or drive. Male circumcision is not linked to the control of men’s sexual behaviour while FGM is practiced as a way to control women’s sexual behaviours to make sure they remain virgins before marriage and faithful during marriage.

Where do you see the future of African Women?

While many people have wrongly said that the campaign against FGM is being pushed by Westerners, this seems to negate the role of many committed African women who have bravely stood up against this practice and paved the way by breaking the silence on this taboo subject.
Indeed, while action is required from all players to address the issue, what is required to make a break with this age old tradition is when women from communities that practice FGM come together to take action to end it.
African women can play a catalytic role to build the capacity of key players, make their voices heard and raise resources to provide support services. The time is now and we all need to play our part.

For more information visit: www.forwarduk.org.uk