International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation

What is FGM?

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a term which describes a range of procedures that involve the female genitals being intentionally cut, injured or changed for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognised as a human rights violation and a form of sexual violence. FGM is illegal in the UK.

FGM has no health benefits but can cause multiple long term mental and physical health problems.

According to the World Health Organization, 200 million women and girls alive today have been subjected to female genital mutilation.

FGM is classified into four main types:

Type 1 – Clitoridectomy: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and / or clitoral hood.

Type 2 – Excision: Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora (inner fold of the vulva). This may be with or without the removal of the labia majora (outer folds of the vulva).

Type 3 – Infibulation: Narrowing the vaginal opening by creating a covering seal which is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia. This may also include removal of the clitoris.

Type 4 – All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia. This may include pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping or burning the area.

What are the effects of FGM?

FGM can be harmful to women and girls in many ways.

Complications soon after experiencing FGM can include bleeding, pain, fever, infection, injury to surrounding tissues and urinary problems. In some cases, FGM can be fatal. Complications seen in the long term include urinary problems, vaginal and menstrual problems such as infections and difficulty passing menstrual blood. It can be difficult for women who have experienced FGM to have or enjoy sex and survivors of FGM may experience reduced sexual pleasure. There is an increased risk of complications during childbirth and there may be a need for future surgeries.

FGM can also be harmful to women and girls’ mental health and can cause problems such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

Why does FGM happen?

FGM is usually carried out on young girls during childhood and commonly before puberty starts. There are many sociocultural factors which contribute to the harmful practice of FGM.

Female genital mutilation is a manifestation of gender inequality. It is often used to control women and girls’ bodies and their sexuality. FGM is thought to ensure chastity and preserve a woman’s virginity until marriage and ensure fidelity once she is married. It is linked to deeply entrenched cultural beliefs about purity, modesty and marriage. FGM can also be used in an attempt to reduce a woman’s sexual pleasure and desire.

We know that women should be able to choose when they want to first have sex. Some women want to wait until they are married, and some women feel ready earlier or may never have the desire and this is okay. Feminism is about choice, and FGM often happens against a girl or woman’s will, without their consent. Women deserve to experience sex and sexual pleasure when and if it feels right for them.

There are some places in which FGM is a social norm and this can make it feel like an expected part of raising a girl. In certain communities, a family’s fear of being unaccepted or rejected by the community can become a strong driving factor in continuing the practice of FGM throughout generations. However, FGM is incredibly harmful, and every child has the right to be protected from harm.

Sometimes FGM can be associated with religion, even though no religion promotes or condones FGM, religion is often used in attempt to justify the practice. The origins of FGM are unclear and predate the rise of modern religions.

There are no reasons that justify FGM, it is a damaging and dangerous practice that has no medical benefit for those that experience it.

What support is available?

Everyone has a right to control what happens to their own body. If you have experienced FGM recently or in the past or are worried that you or someone you know is at risk, there is help available.

If you have had FGM, you can get help from healthcare professionals including but not limited to your GP or midwife who could refer you to a specialist service. There are a range of National FGM support clinics which exist in the UK and offer a range of support. These clinics can be accessed by self-referral or referral from a healthcare professional.

If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of FGM, you can contact the NSPCC national FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

The Angelou Centre provides a range of services for black and minoritised women in the North East. Through their violence against women and girls project, they support women who have experienced FGM through advocacy, refuge accommodation services, recovery programmes, training and counselling. You can access their helpline on 0191 2260394 or email referrals@angelou-centre.org.uk.

FORWARD is an African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls. They provide advice, one-to-one support and signposting to other services for women and girls affected by any form of violence including FGM. You can self-refer or be referred by a healthcare professional by emailing support@forwarduk.org.uk.

If you have experienced sexual violence of any form, including FGM, we are here for you. You can call our helpline Monday to Thursday 6 – 8.30pm on 0800 035 2794 or can access our services via our website https://rctn.org.uk/get-help/ .