Women, who have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM), can suffer serious and irreversible physical, psychological and psychosexual complications. They have more adverse obstetric outcomes as compared to women without FGM. Exploratory studies suggest radical change to abandonment of FGM by communities after migration to countries where FGM is not prevalent. Women who had been subjected to FGM as a child in their countries of origin, require specialised healthcare to reduce complications and further suffering. This study compared obstetric outcomes in women with FGM to women without FGM who gave birth in a metropolitan Australian hospital with expertise in holistic FGM management.
Document Type: Research/Reports
Equally Safe: Scotland’s strategy for preventing and eradicating violence against women and girls
This strategy, which was originally published in 2014 and has now been updated, provides a framework to help us do that. It was developed by the Scottish Government and COSLA in association with a wide range of partners from public and third sector organisations. This updated version has been supported by further engagement with children’s organisations. We are immensely grateful to all those organisations for their support, and looking forward to working with them in implementing Equally Safe’s vision.
My Voice 2 Women and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland: A Participatory Action Research Project
This report describes findings from the second phase of My Voice, a participatory action research project on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Scotland. The first phase of My Voice aimed to document perceptions, attitudes and experiences of FGM among specific groups within affected communities, including young women (under 25 years), young men and older men, as well as religious leaders. In this second phase the focus has been on women over 25, arguably the most affected group, who are mostly married or have been married, with children and in many cases dealing with the negative health impacts of FGM.
Scotland’s National Action Plan to Prevent and Eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – 1 Year Report
This update report provides an update of the work that is being taken forward by the Scottish Government and its partners in the statutory and third sectors along with affected communities in relation to the actions and activities required to progress the outcomes of the FGM National Action Plan.
Breast Ironing in Cameroon A harmful practice restricting sexuality or a means to protect the girl child from harm
The thesis presents the diversity in lived experiences of breast ironing and concludes that it is a practice with many meanings. It cannot simply be labelled a harmful practice, it needs also be understood as a means to protect the girl child from harm. Thus, breast ironing is a practice that seeks to protect the girl by aiming to decrease significations of femininity that breasts invokes. This in turn means that breast ironing is a practice that ultimately seeks to decrease the level at which the girl child is identified with femininity.
Introducing the Practice of Breast Ironing as a Human Rights Issue in Cameroon
A comprehensive look at the literature on breast ironing and legislation to protect children, especially young girls, in Cameroon. “It examined its legal framework to determine whether the obligations vested on it by international human rights instruments have been translated into national policies” concluding that no measures have been taken to curb the practice.
Breast Ironing: A harmful practice that has been secret for to long
This research presents information on breast ironing from the perspective of a Cameroonian NGO working to reduce violence against women and girls. The research calls for the practice to be recognised as female to female violence.
Female Mutilation (Book)
Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice. This book covers the controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. This book covers this controversial cultural practice that is taking place around the world including in Western countries where it is illegal. Read the harrowing stories of women who have been genitally mutilated, their accounts of survival and their determination to end this injustice.
Statement on the first FGM Conviction
This is the statement from the National FGM Centre regarding the first FGM conviction in the UK. Click ‘Read More’ to find out more about the case.
Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A UK Perspective (Book)
This handbook details the present situation with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Britain, referring also to other Western nations where FGM occurs. It scrutinises current pathways to eradicating this dangerous, sometimes lethal, form of child abuse and gender-related violence. The cultural and belief systems giving rise to FGM are complex. Further, FGM is an intensely intimate matter often imposed on young and vulnerable children. Approaches to its eradication therefore demand considerable human insight and a competent grasp of inter-/cross-agency working.The vulnerabilities and need for protection of victims and potential victims are paramount, but these pressing priorities do not lessen the requirement that all aspects of FGM be dealt with straightforwardly in accordance with the law.