On International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), this week our blog examines the effects of this practice on immigrant communities and how they can be reduced and prevented.
What is FGM
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. It involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines FGM as a violation of human rights that can cause severe physical and psychological harm. According to WHO, it is estimated that over 200 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM, with a further 3 million girls at risk of the procedure each year. In Europe, around 500,000 women and girls have undergone FGM, with a further 180,000 girls at risk of the procedure annually. If FGM practices continue at recent levels, 68 million girls will be cut between 2015 and 2030 in 25 countries where FGM is routinely practised.
FGM in migrant communities
FGM is a deeply rooted cultural practice in certain communities, particularly in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. However, it has also been identified as a growing concern in migrant communities within Europe, where individuals may still uphold traditional practices even after migrating to a new country. Although FGM cannot be considered a push factor for migration, for some girls and women, undergoing FGM can lead to severe physical and psychological harm, which can make it difficult for them to live in their communities. They may feel compelled to migrate to escape the practice. Additionally, communities that practice FGM may also face discrimination and persecution, which can lead to displacement and migration.
In migrant communities, the practice of FGM can continue even when a family move to a new country. This can be due to cultural and social pressures to maintain traditional practices and a lack of understanding about the harms of FGM. In some cases, families may even travel back to their country of origin to have the procedure performed. Countries with large immigrant populations in Europe, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, have the highest reported FGM cases. The impact of FGM on migrant communities can be significant, at physical, psychological and social levels.
FGM in Europe
FGM is illegal in all European Union member states, and many have implemented specific laws and regulations to address the issue.
In the United Kingdom, the Female Genital Mutilation Act of 2003 – amended in 2015 – made it a criminal offence to perform FGM, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM on a girl under the age of 18. The law also includes provisions for protection orders to protect girls at risk of FGM and mandatory reporting for certain professionals, such as doctors and teachers.
France also criminalised FGM in 1983 and in 2016 the law was strengthened to include prison sentences of up to 20 years for those convicted of carrying out FGM. Also in this country, protection orders are available for girls at risk of FGM, and certain professionals are required to report. German law criminalized female genital mutilation in 2013, and the Federal Government issued a Letter of Protection to inform migrant communities about the law and how to seek help. Other EU member states also have laws in place to criminalise FGM and provide protection for girls at risk.
Additionally, the EU has issued guidelines to member states to help them combat FGM, such as the EU Guidelines on Female Genital Mutilation, which encourages member states to take a comprehensive approach to address the issue, including through legislation, awareness-raising, and support for survivors.
Consequences of FGM
The consequences of FGM in migrant communities can be physical, psychological and social. Physically, it can lead to serious health complications such as severe bleeding, infection, cysts, painful urination, and difficulties during childbirth. It can also lead to infertility, and in some cases, death.
The psychological impact of FGM is severe and long-lasting. Some of the most common effects include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Women and girls who have undergone FGM often experience flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of terror related to the procedure. This can result in difficulty sleeping, decreased concentration, and a decreased ability to carry out daily activities. In addition, FGM can cause chronic physical pain and discomfort, further exacerbating the procedure’s psychological impact.
FGM can also profoundly impact a woman’s sense of identity and self-worth. Women and girls who have undergone FGM often feel as though their bodies have been disfigured and may experience shame and embarrassment. This can result in a decreased sense of self-esteem and self-worth and can contribute to depression and anxiety. This practice can also have social consequences, limiting educational and economic opportunities for girls and women undergoing it. It can also lead to isolation and discrimination within communities.
A comprehensive approach to eradicate FGM
Laws alone are not enough to eradicate the practice of FGM. It is important that governments and communities work together. This includes providing education and awareness campaigns to inform communities about the harms of FGM and providing support for survivors. It’s also important to remember that healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing FGM in migrant communities. They should be trained to recognise the signs of it, provide appropriate care for survivors, and understand the cultural and social context in which the practice occurs. Moreover, civil society organisations are implementing community-led education and dialogue sessions on human rights and health.
Final considerations
MOAS recognises the importance of providing education, awareness, and support to survivors and at-risk women affected by FGM. Overall, FGM is a human rights violation that affects millions of girls and women in Europe. A joint effort by governments, migrant communities, and healthcare providers is necessary to end the practice.
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