Female Genital Mutilation
Toward’s a National Action Plan to Combat FGM 2016-2019
What is
Female Genital Mutilation
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is any procedure which removes part or all of a girl or woman’s external genitalia for non-medical reasons. It can also be known as female genital cutting or circumcision.
FGM can occur anytime from birth onwards, however it is most commonly done to girls when they are between four and ten years old.
FGM is often practiced seasonally, so the school holidays are when children are most at risk. FGM is often a cultural norm in the communities where it is practiced. The prevalence and type varies between communities even within the same country. However, not all families in FGM practising communities want their girls and women to undergo FGM. It is also important to note that not all women or girls know that they have had FGM performed on them.
Four Types of FGM
There are four types of FGM depending on how much tissue is cut or removed. Type III FGM is the most extreme version and it carries the most risk for women during childbirth. All types of FGM are a human rights violation and all have been illegal in Ireland since 2012.
Type I
Partial or total removal of the clitoris and/or the prepuce. In medical literature this form of FGM/C is also referred to as ‘clitoridectomy’. A number of practising communities also refer to it as Sunna, which is Arabic for ‘tradition’ or ‘duty’.
Type II
This involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and labia minora with or without excision of the labia majora. The 2007 WHO definition recognizes that although this form of cutting is more extensive than Type I, there is considerable variability in the form or degree of cutting. In English, this type of cutting is often referred to as ‘excision’, although it is important to note that in French the term ‘excision’ generally refers to all forms of FGM/C.
Type III
This involves the narrowing of the vaginal orifice by cutting and bringing together the labia minora and/or the labia majora to create a type of seal with or without excision of the clitoris. In most instances, the cut edges of the labia are stitched together, which is referred to as ‘infibulation’. The adhesion of the labia results in near complete covering of the urethra and the vaginal orifice, which must be reopened for sexual intercourse and childbirth, a procedure known as ‘de-infibulation’. In some instances, this is followed by re-infibulation.
Type IV
All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterization. Pricking or nicking involves cutting to draw blood, but no removal of tissue and no permanent alteration of the external genitalia. This is sometimes called ‘symbolic circumcision’, and some communities have described it as a traditional form of FGM/C. Although symbolic circumcision is still highly controversial, it has been proposed as an alternative to more severe forms of cutting in both African and other countries where FGM/C is performed.
Why is
Female Genital Mutilation Practiced?
The origin of this practice is largely unknown, but it has existed in one form or another in almost all known civilisations throughout history and has not been confined to any one culture or religion. A mix of cultural, religious and social factors within families and communities are the main reasons for developing and continuing the practice. However, the majority of these beliefs are based in myths and misinformation.
A Rite of Passage into Womanhood
In certain FGM-practising communities a girl cannot be considered an adult unless she has undergone FGM. That is, the process is a distinctive element of belonging, of being a member of the group.
Perceived Hygiene
In some cultures there is a belief that female genitalia are unsightly and dirty. In some FGM-practising societies, unmutilated women are regarded as unclean and are not allowed to handle food and water.
Marriageability
FGM is often deemed necessary in order for a girl to be considered a complete woman, and the practice marks the divergence of the sexes in terms of their future roles in life and marriage. Most mothers practise FGM on their daughters to ensure their daughters have a future of respect and well-being.
Women’s Sexuality
In many communities, a girl’s/woman’s virginity is a prerequisite for marriage and central to concepts of family honour. FGM, in particular infibulation, is defended in this context asit is assumed to reduce sexual desire and so lessen a girl’s/woman’s temptation to have premarital sex, thereby preserving her virginity. Infibulation also provides “proof” of virginity.
Religious Misconceptions
FGM predates all contemporary world religions and is not an official religious requirement by any religion. However there are some misconceptions around this issue with many people believing it is a requirement for their faith. It is important to note that FGM is carried out across a number of religious groups.
FGM Health Consequences
FGM can leave women and girls with many negative health consequences. These can include; infection, bleeding, reduced sensation, increased risk during childbirth, psychological trauma and death. In groups where FGM prevalence is high, certain consequences that are common may be considered ‘normal’ and not associated with the practice.
FGM and the Law
What legislation against FGM exists in Ireland ?
In 2012, Ireland passed the Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Act, making FGM illegal. The law prohibits the practice and attempts of FGM, and it’s a criminal offense to ask someone to perform it or take a girl abroad for the procedure. Penalties include fines up to €10,000 or imprisonment for up to 14 years. FGM is a recognized human rights violation, affecting physical and mental integrity, health, and freedom from discrimination and violence. While the law is crucial, addressing FGM also requires educational and cultural interventions.
What to do if a child is at risk?
If a child is at risk
If you feel that a girl is at risk of FGM, you should contact your local child protection social worker at Túsla, Children and Family Agency:
Tel: 01 635 2854
Email: info@tusla.ie
Web: www.tusla.ie
If you think a girl is in immediate danger please contact any Garda station or dial 999 or 112.
For professionals working with children it is your legal obligation under Children’s First Guidelines (2011) to report to child protection services and/or the Gardaí if you feel a girl is at risk of FGM or if FGM has already taken place.
If FGM has already taken place
If you suspect that FGM has already been performed on a girl, contact the Gardaí and local child protection social work department (Túsla). This will have legal implications for the person(s) who carried out the procedure and it is necessary to report to protect further children at risk in the family or community.
FGM support service
Girls and women can avail of free specialised medical, nursing and counselling services through the FGM support service at the Migrant women’s health clinic. This clinic is offered by the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) in its Dublin city centre Every Woman Clinic, Cathal de Brugha St, Dublin 1.
For further details please see: http://www.ifpa.ie/Sexual-Health-Services/FGM-Treatment-Service or phone/text the designated phone line: 085 877 1342.
FGM Support Service
Girls and women can avail of free specialised medical, nursing and counselling services through the FGM support service at the Migrant women’s health clinic. This clinic isoffered by the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) in its Dublin city centre Every Woman Clinic, Cathal de Brugha St, Dublin 1.
For further details please see: http://www.ifpa.ie/Sexual-Health-Services/FGM-Treatment-Service or phone/text the designated phone line: 085 877 1342.
