Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply ingrained cultural practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide.
Despite being illegal in many countries, it continues to be practised, causing severe physical and emotional consequences. We must educate ourselves and raise awareness about FGM to work towards putting an end to this harmful practice.
Aneeta Prem’s book
“Cut Flowers” is a powerful resource that sheds light on the issue of FGM. The stories and experiences shared in the book are poignant; serving as a reminder of the urgency of ending FGM. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to educate themselves about this issue.
“Cut Flowers” includes PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) accredited lesson plans. These provide educators with a framework for discussing FGM in a safe and age-appropriate way. These plans empower students to recognise and challenge harmful cultural practices. They further provide them with the knowledge and tools to become global citizens who can protect the rights and dignity of all girls and women.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines FGM as “all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or another injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.” Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has no health benefits. It causes severe physical and psychological harm, including pain, infection, psychological trauma, and even death.
There are four types of FGM
with the most severe being Type III, also known as infibulation. This involves the removal of the clitoris and labia minora, followed by the stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening. This causes difficulty for the woman to urinate and menstruate and can cause long-term complications during childbirth.
FGM is a violation of human rights. Its prevalence is highest in some African countries, as well as parts of the Middle East and Asia. The reasons for practising FGM are complex and vary from culture to culture. In some cases, FGM is considered a rite of passage, a way to preserve virginity, or a means of enhancing marriageability.
Despite ongoing efforts to end FGM it is still practised in many parts of the world. The WHO estimates that more than 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM. A further three million are at risk every year. We must continue to educate ourselves and others about this to put an end to FGM once and for all.
FGM is harmful. It is a practice that has severe physical and emotional consequences. Aneeta Prem’s book, “Cut Flowers,” is a powerful resource that sheds light on this issue. It provides valuable information and education about FGM. Furthermore, ts inclusion of PSHE-accredited lesson plans makes it an ideal resource for educators who want to educate their students about this issue. Working together, we will protect the rights and dignity of all girls and women. We will create a world where FGM no longer exists.