WHAT IS FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves the removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons, as defined by the World Health Organisation. This practice is concentrated in Eastern and Western Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Notably, in Somalia, Egypt, and Sierra Leone. The procedure is incredibly invasive, egregious, and has no health benefits. In fact, ramifications of such a procedure can include death, shock, injury to surrounding genital tissue, haemorrhage (excessive bleeding), infections, and severe pain. Long term complications include life-long psychological trauma, including depression and PTSD, as well as sexual problems, like pain during intercourse, an increased risk of childbirth complications, and the need for later surgeries. For these reasons, FGM is recognised internationally as a form of violence against women and children, and a violation of human rights. Particularly, with regard to the right to a life of dignity, freedom and equality as per the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights and The Convention On The Rights Of The Child.
CONTINUATION OF THE PRACTICE
If FGM is a violation of human rights, with so many adverse ramifications, then why do some countries continue the practice? The reasons for performing FGM are contingent upon the region. For some countries, FGM is regarded as a social norm. For example, in Ghana, FGM is regarded as both a standard of beauty, and as a prerequisite for marriage. Further, FGM is viewed as a way of preventing young women from engaging in pre-marital sex, as well as to prepare them for womanhood. The practice is also associated with cultural ideals of femininity and modesty. However, the deep-rooted culture behind FGM does not excuse it as a manifestation of gender inequality, and the conspicuous violation of women’s rights. Despite these “justifications,” there appears to be no legitimacy in condoning FGM, especially in relation to its public health consequences. Unfortunately, it is estimated by the World Health Organisation that 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM, and that more than 3 million young girls are at risk annually. Additionally, research conducted by City University, estimated that there were more than 100,000 women between the ages of 15 and 49 who reside in the UK and have had FGM.
THE UK’S APPROACH
In 1985, the UK criminalised female circumcision, as part of the Prohibition of Female Circumcision Act. However, concerns around the law being superfluous led to the repeal of the act, and in its place the promulgation of the FGM Act 2003. This modernised the offence of FGM, by ensuring the illegality of assisting a young woman in carrying out the procedure. Additionally, this included creating extra-territorial offences to prevent people, through court ordered injunctions, from taking girls abroad for the purposes of mutilation. The 2003 act also increased the maximum penalty from 5 to 14 years imprisonment. By 2015, both awareness and support for preventing FGM were increasing, which led to further protection orders under the Serious Crime Act 2015. This was particularly pivotal as the act extends to both UK nationals and residents in the UK who have undergone FGM.
However, legislative protection is not the UK’s only response in tackling FGM. Additional measures include a robust Metropolitan Police project, “Project Azure”. The project formally began in 2006, and comprises of 4 strands: prevention, protection, partnership, and prosecution. The project’s scope includes developing protection, awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, initiatives through working jointly with NGOs, local and national governments, and communities. Another multi-agency safeguarding operation is “Operation Limelight”. This involves police undertaking specialised training in FGM and being situated in airports where they can identify and flag high risk individuals. This early intervention enables the police to aid in preventing FGM by counteracting travel to countries where the practice may take place.
Although these safety precautions have aided in deferring and preventing FGM, there is still a long way to go before FGM is completely eradicated. As a complex form of social subjugation with deep-rooted culture ties, it is vital to raise awareness and subvert the long-standing custom of FGM, particularly in countries where such a practice is prevalent.
Melina is a law student at the University of Aberdeen, currently in her penultimate year. She is passionate about advocacy in the fields of public international law, human rights and family law.