#8 The Problem Of FGM
"The only way to solve the problem of women's subordination is to change people's mindset and to plant the new idea of gender equality into every mind."
- Qingrong Ma
WARNING: This episode is on a sensitive topic and may be upsetting for those that have experienced/been at risk of FGM. This episode however will not be discussing graphic details of the procedure nor will it be sharing any personal accounts of victims.
Female inequality has always been and still is a prevalent issue in our societies, both in the developed and developing regions of the world. Female genital mutilation is one product of this gender inequality that females from certain parts of the world are forced to experience, or are still at risk of undergoing. FGM has no medical benefits, yet it continues to exist as a threat for girls and women from countries that openly practice the cutting.
Listen to The Problem Of FGM to understand why communities make females undergo this painful and harmful procedure and what we all can do to help eliminate this practice for good in all parts of the world.
What will be discussed in the episode:
- Definition of FGM with a closer look at the different procedure types
- Discussion of the potential origins of FGM
- Ways in which FGM practitioners go about the cutting
- The immediate and long-term consequences of FGM
- Cultural/social factors that makes FGM an acceptable practice for communities
- The growing cases of FGM in the UK
- Prevention steps to help heavily reduce/eliminate FGM from all parts of the world
Resources mentioned:
- World Health Organisation (WHO) and FGM : https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
- FGM history (WARNING: graphic images on this website) : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582648/
- Plan UK and FGM : https://plan-uk.org/about/our-work/fgm
- NSPCC and FGM : https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/#at-risk
- NHS clinics for FGM victims/potential victims : https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/nhs-fgm-clinics-female-genital-mutilation-survivors-care-a9102146.html
- FGM FAQ : https://www.unfpa.org/resources/female-genital-mutilation-fgm-frequently-asked-questions#practice_origins
FGM HELPLINES:
If you feel at risk of undergoing FGM, know someone that is/might be at risk or if you have undergone the procedure or know someone who has, please refer to these helplines for support. All of these are free, 24/7 and anonymous services that anyone can use.
- GOV.uk : https://www.gov.uk/female-genital-mutilation-help-advice (you can contact the police, foreign and commonwealth office or British embassies if you are abroad)
- NSPCC helpline: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/
- NHS FGM clinic details: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/female-genital-mutilation/Documents/FGM%20clinic%20list%20Nov%2017.pdf
These are UK helplines as I live in the UK. However, searching FGM helplines online from any country will show you the correct contact details corresponding to each country. Local health services should also be contacted.
Subscribe to the newsletter HERE !
Thanks for listening!
Thanks for joining me on today's episode of the Mind Full of Everything's podcast! If you enjoyed the episode, hit the subscribe button on your podcast app of choice to stay updated on episode releases. Remember to subscribe to my newsletter to receive episode information instantly to your mail inbox. Please also feel free to write reviews on iTunes, and connect with me on Twitter and Instagram to get extra goodness in your feed!