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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female genital cutting and female circumcision, is the ritual cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice is found in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, and within communities from countries in which FGM is common. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in England and Wales under the FGM Act 2003.
Female Genital Mutilation is a form of child abuse and violence against women as such is dealt with under Faith Montessori Nursery’s Child Protection/Safeguarding policy.
FGM is considered child abuse in the UK and a grave violation of the human rights of girls and women. In all circumstances where FGM is practised on a child it is a violation of the child’s right to life, their right to their bodily integrity, as well as their right to health. The UK Government has signed a number of international human rights laws against FGM, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
Female genital mutilation is classified into four major types:
- Type 1– Clitoridectomy: partial or total removal of the clitoris (a small, sensitive and erectile part of the female genitals) and, in very rare cases, only the prepuce (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoris).
- Type 2 – Excision: partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora (the labia are “the lips” that surround the vagina).
- Type 3 – Infibulation: narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the inner, or outer, labia, with or without removal of the clitoris.
- Type 4 – Other: all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g. pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.
Where does FGM happen?
Many cultures have different reasons for continuing FGM. From upholding the status of the community to maintaining her virginity, marriageability and bride price. From enhancing her beauty to increasing her husband’s sexual pleasure. These cultural, economic and religious justifications assume FGM benefits the girl as she transitions to womanhood.
“Girls are at particular risk of FGM during school summer holidays. This is the time when families may take their children abroad for the procedure. Many girls may not be aware that they may be at risk of undergoing FGM. UK communities that are most at risk of FGM include Kenyans, Somalis, Sudanese, Sierra Leoneans, Egyptians, Nigerians and Eritreans. However women from non-African communities that are at risk of FGM include Yemeni, Kurdish, Indonesian and Pakistani women.”
At Faith Montessori Nursery, we have a robust and rigorous safeguarding procedure and protecting children in our care is paramount. The safeguarding officer and all members of staff are responsible to adhere and follow these policies.
Myths and facts about FGM
Myth 1: An uncut woman will become promiscuous (‘sleep around’) and have an uncontrollable sexual appetite.
Fact 1: FGM makes no difference to a woman’s sexual appetite but can stop her from enjoying sex. Sexual desire mainly arises from hormones secreted by glands in the brain. Women should be able to choose what level of sexual activity is right for them personally. Some women like to wait to have sex until they are married, some feel ready earlier. So long as sexual activity is safe and respectful, all that matters is that women do what they feel is right.
Myth 2: If the clitoris is not cut, it will harm the husband during intercourse.
Fact 2: The clitoris gives a woman sexual pleasure and does not cause any harm to her or her husband.
Myth 3: If a woman does not undergo FGM, her genitals will smell.
Fact 3: FGM will not make the vagina any more hygienic. In fact, Type 3 FGM can make the vagina less hygienic.
Please refer to the link below for more information.
