FGM Myth Busting Guide

1What is FGM?

Female Genital Mutilation: A MYTH BUSTING GUIDE

4What are the different types of FGM?

• FGM involves harming or removing all or part of the external female genitalia. • It has been illegal in England and Wales since 1985. • It is recognised as a human rights violation and harms women and girls in many ways and has no health benefits.

2Is it religious?

• It is not a religious practise; the Bible and Quran have nothing to do with it.

3Which countries practise FGM?

• Women across the globe are affected by FGM, taking place in areas of Africa, Asia and the

Middle East. • Women and girls with FGM now live in countries all over the world, including the UK particularly among members of migrant communities • Type 1: Clitoridectomy- involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris • Type 2: Excision- involves the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia • Type 3: Infibulation – involves the narrowing or stitching of the vaginal opening • Type 4: Any other harmful procedures such as pricking, stretching and cauterizing.

5Are there any complications?

• There is a range of physical, emotional and psychological complications of FGM • Physical complications includes: risk of infection, painful periods, pain passing urine, higher risk of still birth, pain during sex or unable to have sex • Psychological problems may include: low self- esteem, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues

6Is it an African Problem?

• Not all African countries practise FGM • It is also practised by communities outside of

Africa, including some Christian communities in the United States • FGM is a gender- based violence issue that can impact everyone.

7Is it safe when performed by a medical professional?

• In whatever setting FGM occurs, it is still detrimental to the health of the woman or girl. • Some risk factors may be slightly reduced through a sterile environment and knowledge, there is still no medical benefit to FGM • The long term psychological and physical consequences remain the same.

8Is FGM the same as male circumcision?

• No, it is not the same. Male circumcision has some health benefits, whereas FGM has no medical benefits at all. • There is no damage to the penis during male circumcision whereas there are long lasting detrimental impacts of FGM.

9Can we condemn someone else’s cultural traditions?

• FGM cannot be justified by arguments of cultural tradition

• Culture is something that should be celebrated, and is not something that brings harm and pain • Losing the tradition of FGM will not destroy culture but maintaining it will harm those who undergo it

10 Is FGM just a women’s issue?

• FGM is rooted in patriarchal tradition where men benefit by sending or collecting money for their daughters to be cut and turning a blind eye to it • It is important for men to understand this practise as abuse and challenging traditions to end this unnecessary harm to women and girls