Zero tolerance for FGM
*Warning: this article contains material about Female Genital Mutilation that some readers may find distressing.
The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM takes place today (6 February), aiming to raise awareness of the practice.
According to the UN’s Secretary General, António Guterres: ‘Sustainable development demands full human rights for all women and girls. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promises an end to this practice by 2030.’
I spoke to Sabine Nkusi from Tearfund’s Sexual and Gender-based Violence Team to find out more:
What exactly is FGM/C?
Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful traditional practice that involves partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, for non-medical reasons. There are various types ranging from removing the clitoris to the most extreme one which involves removing the inner and outer lips and stitching together the edges, leaving a very small vaginal opening.
Where in the world does it happen?
FGM/C happens in some countries in Africa, Asia and parts of the Middle East. We also know that it is in Europe, North and Latin America as well as Australia and New Zealand.
More than 137,000 women and girls suffer some of the consequences of FGM/C in England and Wales and globally the figure rises to around 200 million.
Why does it happen?
In some communities FGM/C is a social norm, where people feel a social pressure to do what others are doing, because the cost of not conforming can be rejection by the community. In other communities, it is a rite of passage from girlhood to womanhood. In this case we often see FGM/C being linked to marriageability where a girl will undergo the practice to then be married a few years later. In some communities, there is a belief that if a girl does not go through the practice, she will be promiscuous, therefore this ensures her ‘purity’.
How does it make the girls feel?
We know that this practice is carried out — often without anaesthetic — on girls between infancy to age 15. It has no health benefits and really harm girls and women in many ways. There are some immediate consequence such as haemorrhage, severe pain, swelling, shock and even death. Other long-term consequences are urinary problems, sexual problems, childbirth complications such as very difficult deliveries, newborn deaths, and obstetric fistula. We also know that women and girls suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
What is being done to tackle the problem?
In the last few years, we have seen some shift around the issue. There is a commitment from governments of affected communities to tackle the problem. The UK government has also committed to this both domestically and internationally which is encouraging. We are also starting to see collaboration across the board: Civil Society Organisations, Faith-based organisations, and governments. Most importantly affected communities are starting to engage.
What more can be done?
We need to really engage communities so that change comes from within. It is not about telling people that what they do is wrong, but rather creating space for community dialogue so that they come up with their own solution. In doing that it is really important to engage faith communities. The voice of the church needs to be present as we know that the church is an institution at the heart of the community, so the potential for the church to make a difference here is huge.
What’s Tearfund’s role in a solution?
Tearfund’s strength is working through the local church. We believe that in order for some real change to take place, we need to engage the leadership of the church around FGM/C. We have been mobilising and equipping church leaders to speak out and act. We have provided training on the consequences of FGM/C and also engaged leadership through contextual Bible studies. I recall after one such training, a pastor said that ‘indeed when God created us, He looked at His creation and said it was good, so no one should alter what God deemed good’.
Why is it important that Tearfund does this work?
We believe that a strong faith response is needed around this issue and as a faith based organisation we have a real opportunity to contribute with others to see an ending of this practice in communities where we work.
What would you say to our supporters to encourage them act and/or pray about this issue?
I would like to first say thank you to our wonderful supporters and their heart for the communities where Tearfund works. As FGM/C is a form of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), Tearfund has a lot of information on what we currently do on the wider SGBV as well. So do come to us to get information. We would appreciate prayers for wisdom for us as a team so that whatever we do, we also give glory to God.
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