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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for female cutting
14 results foundAuthor: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Title: Too Much Pain: Female Genital Mutilation and Asylum in the European Union Summary: Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This harmful traditional practice is most common in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa; in some countries in Asia and the Middle East; and among migrant and refugee communities from these areas in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States of America. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. The practice also violates a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; and the right to life when the procedure results in death. The practice of FGM is also considered as a criminal act in all EU Member States. This statistical overview has been prepared on the occasion of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) study on FGM in the European Union and Croatia. Little is known about FGM in the European Union in general, and this statement holds true about FGM and asylum more specifically. In light of the recognized need for country- and community-tailored responses, this study provides some of the statistical evidence needed to advance the discussion on the necessary policies and tools to address the specific vulnerabilities of female asylum-seekers with FGM in the asylum system on the one hand, and of refugee girls and women living with FGM and integrating in EU Member States on the other hand. In addition, in the absence of statistical data on asylum claims relating to this harmful traditional practice, this document also provides estimates that draw attention to the specific needs for international protection girls (and their parents) as well as women may raise in relation to FGM. Details: Geneva, SWIT: UNHCR, 2013. 36p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 12, 2015 at: http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/512c72ec2.pdf Year: 2013 Country: International URL: http://www.refworld.org/pdfid/512c72ec2.pdf Shelf Number: 134617 Keywords: Asylum SeekersChild Abuse and NeglectChild ProtectionFemale CuttingFemale Genital Mutilation Gender-Related ViolenceHuman Rights AbusesViolence Against Women |
Author: West Midlands Police and Crime Panel Title: Tackling Female Genital Mutilation in the West Midlands Summary: Female genital mutilation (FGM) also known as female circumcision or cutting, is a collective term for procedures which include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs, or injury to the female genital organs, for cultural or other non-therapeutic reasons. FGM is medically unnecessary, is extremely painful, and has serious health consequences, both at the time of the procedure, and in later life. It can also be psychologically damaging. A number of girls die as a direct result of the procedure, from blood loss or infection. In the longer term, women who have undergone some form of FGM are twice as likely to die in childbirth, and four times more likely to give birth to a still born child. The Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 makes it - illegal to practice FGM in the UK - illegal to assist a girl to mutilate her own genitalia - illegal to take girls who are British Nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM whether or not it is lawful in that country; - Illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad; An offence under this act has a maximum penalty of up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine. Female genital mutilation is physical abuse, and whilst it is perceived by parents not to be an act of hate, it is harmful, it is child abuse and it is unlawful. It has long lasting significant implications for those who have the procedure performed on them. Details: Birmingham, UK: West Midlands Police and Crime Panel, 2015. 76p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 3, 2015 at: http://westmidlandspcp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WMPCP-Tackling-FGM-in-the-West-Midlands.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://westmidlandspcp.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/WMPCP-Tackling-FGM-in-the-West-Midlands.pdf Shelf Number: 136294 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Middelburg, M.J. Title: Implementation of the international and regional human rights framework for the elimination of female genital mutilation Summary: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is the practice of partially or totally removing the external female genitalia or otherwise injuring the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is often believed to be a requirement for marriage and necessary to control women's sexuality. FGM is a reproductive health and human rights concern that has devastating short-term and long-term impacts on the lives of women and girls. The procedure is risky and life-threatening for the girl both during the procedure and throughout the course of her life. FGM is considered a harmful practice and a form of violence against women Before the 1990s, the international community did not view violence against women in general and more specifically FGM as a major issue. If violence against women was recognized as an issue at all, it was seen as under the purview of national governments, not a subject of international law. Violence against women was widely viewed as a private act or a domestic matter carried out by private individuals. For this reason FGM was initially placed beyond the scope of international human rights law. This changed in the 1990s with the global movement against violence against women. Landmark events were the adoption of General Recommendation No. 14 on female circumcision (1990) and General Recommendation No. 192 on violence against women (1992) by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. The Committee explicitly included violence against women as a matter falling under the scope of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and thus under international human rights law. The World Conference on Human Rights (1993) was another landmark event. The concluding document, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, expanded the international human rights agenda to include gender-based violence. It advocated the importance of "working towards the elimination of violence against women in public and private life, and the eradication of any conflicts which may arise between the rights of women and the harmful effects of certain traditional or customary practices." A few months after the conference, the General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. This was another key step, as it recognized FGM as a form of violence against women for the first time. In article 2, the declaration expressly stated that "Violence against women shall be understood to encompass, but not be limited to, the following: female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women." Although not legally binding, this declaration strengthened the growing international consensus that gender-based violence is a human rights violation. Details: New York: UNFRA, 2014. 89p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 31, 2015 at: https://pure.uvt.nl/portal/files/5332551/Paper_UNFPA_New_York.pdf Year: 2014 Country: International URL: https://pure.uvt.nl/portal/files/5332551/Paper_UNFPA_New_York.pdf Shelf Number: 136620 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationGender-Based ViolenceHuman Rights AbusesViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Great Britain. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary Title: The Depths of Dishonour: Hidden Voices and Shameful Crimes. An inspection of the police response to honour-based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation Summary: This is the first time that Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) has inspected and reported upon the police service's response to crimes of honour-based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Further, it is the first time that any inspectorate within England and Wales has examined the service provided to victims2 of these crimes, actual and potential, supported by the most powerful of insights, from victims themselves. It is one of the most important reports ever produced by HMIC. Crimes committed in the name of so-called honour are despicable and damaging; they may be life-changing or life-threatening; in some cases, they end in death. Forced marriage is a specific crime that is equally serious, equally damaging. Female genital mutilation is not a requirement for any religion but it is a practice that reaches across numerous cultures to ruin the lives of many women and girls. This report provides information and analysis for the public about how police forces respond to, investigate, and protect victims of these appalling and damaging crimes. It provides a baseline on which police and other public sector agencies can build to establish effective responses to victims. It should also focus the minds of those organisations to work together to prevent others from becoming victims in future. Details: London: HMIC, 2015. 191p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 8, 2016 at: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/wp-content/uploads/the-depths-of-dishonour.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmic/wp-content/uploads/the-depths-of-dishonour.pdf Shelf Number: 137804 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationForced MarriageGender-Based ViolenceHonor-Based ViolencePolice Policies and ProceduresPolice-Community PartnershipsViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Macfarlane, Alison Title: Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: national and local estimates Summary: This report contains estimates of the numbers of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in England and Wales, the numbers of women with FGM giving birth and the numbers of girls born to women with FGM. Headline figures for England and Wales as a whole were published in an interim report. This full report contains estimates at a local authority level. To enable interpretation of these data, it also contains data about the extent to which FGM is practised in the women's countries of origin and about the populations of women born in these countries and living in England and Wales in 2011. Sources of data To derive these estimates, data about the prevalence of FGM were derived from reports of household interview surveys in the countries in which it is practised. Demographic data about women born in these countries and girls born to them were derived from the 2011 census and from birth registration. In the census analysis, women who had been born in countries where FGM is practised, but were members of South Asian and other populations which do not practise FGM were, as far as possible, excluded from the analyses. For analyses of birth data, it was not possible to do this directly, so multiplying factors derived from the census analyses were used to estimate the relevant numbers. Migration to England and Wales from countries where FGM is practiced The overall numbers of women aged 15-49 who were permanently resident in England and Wales but born in FGM practising countries increased from 182,000 in 2001 to 283,000 in 2011. Numbers of women born in the countries in the Horn of Africa, where FGM is almost universal and where the most severe Type III form, infibulation, is commonly practised, increased by 34,000 from 22,000 in 2001 to 56,000 in 2011. The numbers of women from countries in East and West Africa, where FGM Types I and II, clitoridectomy with or without excision of the labia minora, are very common, also increased by 10,000 over the same period. Estimated numbers of women and girls with FGM An estimated 103,000 women aged 15-49 with FGM born in countries in which it is practised were living in England and Wales in 2011, compared with the estimated 66,000 in 2001. This represented an estimated prevalence rate of 7.7 per 1,000 women. In addition there were an estimated 24,000 women aged 50 and over with FGM born in FGM practising countries and nearly 10,000 girls aged 0-14 born in FGM practising countries who have undergone or are likely to undergo FGM. These groups had lower prevalence rates of 2.3 and 2.0 per 1,000 population respectively. Combining the figures for the three age groups, an estimated 137,000 women and girls with FGM, born in countries where FGM is practised, were permanently resident in England and Wales in 2011. This represented a prevalence rate of 4.8 per 1,000 population. Estimated prevalence rates for all regions and local authority areas in England and Wales showed wide variations. Details: London: City University of London, 2015. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 16, 2016 at: http://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FGM-statistics-final-report-21-07-15-released-text.pdf Year: 2015 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FGM-statistics-final-report-21-07-15-released-text.pdf Shelf Number: 138255 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: U.S. Government Accountability Office Title: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: U.S. Assistance to Combat This Harmful Practice Abroad Is Limited Summary: More than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM/C in the 30 countries where available data show this harmful practice is concentrated. More than 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk for FGM/C annually in Africa. FGM/C comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs. It is rooted in the cultural traditions of many communities but has several adverse health consequences and the UN identifies it as a violation of human rights. In 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 that included the elimination of FGM/C among its targets. UNFPA and UNICEF implement the Joint Program on FGM/C in 17 countries-the largest current international assistance effort to address FGM/C. State and USAID include FGM/C as part of their global strategy to respond to gender-based violence. GAO was asked to review State's and USAID's efforts to address FGM/C abroad. This report (1) summarizes findings from recent U.S. and UN studies about factors contributing to FGM/C and approaches to addressing this practice and (2) examines State's and USAID's current efforts to address FGM/C abroad. GAO reviewed recent UN and USAID studies on assistance efforts to address FGM/C, analyzed related strategies and policies, and interviewed State and USAID officials. GAO also analyzed information on FGM/C-related projects and activities from USAID's overseas missions, and State and USAID bureaus. GAO is making no recommendations in this report. Details: Washington, DC: GAO, 2016. 44p. Source: Internet Resource: GAO-16-485: Accessed May 25, 2016 at: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/676833.pdf Year: 2016 Country: International URL: http://www.gao.gov/assets/680/676833.pdf Shelf Number: 139151 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Macfarlane, Alison Title: Female Genital Mutilation in England and Wales: Updated statistical estimates of the numbers of affected women living in England and Wales and girls at risk Interim report on provisional estimates Summary: This report contains provisional estimates of the numbers of women with female genital mutilation (FGM) living in England and Wales, the numbers of women with FGM giving birth and the numbers of girls born to women with FGM. These are headline figures for England and Wales as a whole. Further work is under way to provide estimates at a local authority level and to refine these national analyses. These will be published later in the full project report. Details: London: City University London, 2014. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed June 29, 2016 at: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/3865/1/Female%20Genital%20Mutilation%20in%20England%20and%20Wales.pdf Year: 2014 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/3865/1/Female%20Genital%20Mutilation%20in%20England%20and%20Wales.pdf Shelf Number: 139536 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: European Institute for Gender Equality Title: Estimation of girls at risk of female genital mutilation in the European Union Summary: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a violent form of subordination of women and girls that stands in gross contradiction to principles of gender equality. Following a request from the European Commission, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) collected and processed first EU-wide data and information on the prevalence of female genital mutilation and then examined national FGM prevention approaches and finally published all the data in the report in 2013. This follow-up study proposing a methodology for the estimation of the number of girls at risk of female genital mutilation in the EU Member States was carried out in 2014. The countries chosen for pilot-testing the methodology were Ireland, Portugal and Sweden. This report analyses current legal and policy frameworks in the EU Member States, existing approaches to national FGM risk estimations in the EU and their methodological background. It presents quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including that of various focus groups, and carries out a comparative analysis of the selected Member States. The research highlights that strategies preventing female genital mutilation in the EU are effective and their success depends on cooperation between governments and the communities involved. The findings show that the female genital mutilation risk varies between the Member States according to the total number of first generation migrants originating from a country with high FGM prevalence. Methodology and indicators developed within the present study on FGM risk measurements give a better understanding of this harmful practice. Despite the difficulty to estimate exact numbers of girls at risk of female genital mutilation, the effectiveness of continuous prevention efforts and cooperation between concerned communities and regulatory bodies have been identified as influential factors. The report presents recommendations to the Member States on FGM risk assessment and policy development, including the adoption of the Istanbul Convention and effective implementation of the Victim's Rights Directive in national legal frameworks. Details: Vilnius, Lithuania: European Institute for Gender Equality, 2015. 113p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 23, 2016 at: http://eige.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/MH0215093ENN_Web.pdf Year: 2015 Country: Europe URL: http://eige.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/MH0215093ENN_Web.pdf Shelf Number: 139801 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationGender-Based ViolenceViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Norman, Kate Title: "Between Two Cultures": A Rapid PEER Study Exploring Migrant Communities' Views on Female Genital Mutilation in Essex and Norfolk, UK Summary: This report shares the findings from a rapid PEER study, carried out by migrant women and men living in Norfolk and Essex, UK. Eighteen Peer Researchers, (15 women and 3 men) were recruited through local community organisations and trained and supported by FORWARD and Barnardo's to design and carry out conversational interviews with their peers focusing on life in the UK, and Female Genital Mutilation. The study focused on low prevalence areas as identified in the UK Prevalence study on FGM. The aims of this research were to: - Shed light on the lived realities of migrants from these countries and gain insights into their communities' views on FGM in the UK as well as back in their country of origin. - For the first time, research attitudes and support for FGM in predominantly white British areas that are considered "low prevalence" for the practice. - Use the findings to inform and strengthen FGM prevention programmes. - Empower those involved in the research, strengthening their voice and ensuring that they are at the centre of research and programmes that concern them. Details: London: National FMG Center, Barnado's: 2016. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 30, 2016 at: https://barnardosfgm.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/12/0/filename/Peer+Research+National+FGM+Centre.pdf Year: 2016 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://barnardosfgm.custhelp.com/ci/fattach/get/12/0/filename/Peer+Research+National+FGM+Centre.pdf Shelf Number: 140105 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationMigrantsViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: UN Women Title: Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Violence Against Women and Girls: Strengthening the policy linkages between different forms of violence Summary: Violence against women and girls (VAWG) manifests in different forms. These include intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and child, early and forced marriage, among others. Programmes to end harmful practices and programmes to end intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence are often planned and implemented separately, despite all being rooted in gender inequality and gender-based discrimination against women and girls. While this is intended so that programmes can be tailored accordingly, it can result in isolation of initiatives that would otherwise benefit from sharing of knowledge and good practices and from strategic, coordinated efforts. This policy note explores policy and programming interlinkages and considers entry points in the areas of (i) national legislation, (ii) prevention strategies, (iii) response for survivors, and (iv) data and evidence, for increased coordination and collaboration to advance the objectives of ending FGM/C and other forms of VAWG, in particular intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence. The note builds on the background paper "Finding convergence in policy frameworks: A background paper on the policy links between gender, violence against women and girls, and female genital mutilation/cutting". This policy note is intended for multiple audiences, including those directly involved in policy development, planning and implementing initiatives, those providing technical support, and advocates for ending all forms of VAWG, including FGM/C. This work is the result of a collaboration of UN Women with the UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM/C. Details: New York: UN Women, 2017. 20p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Note: http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2017/policy-note-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-and-violence-against-women-and-girls-en.pdf?vs=905 Year: 2017 Country: International URL: http://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2017/policy-note-female-genital-mutilation-cutting-and-violence-against-women-and-girls-en.pdf?vs=905 Shelf Number: 145745 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationGenital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Andro, Armelle Title: Female genital mutilation around the world Summary: Where in the world is female genital cutting still practiced? Has female genital mutilation (FGM) become less common with continuing efforts to eradicate the practice, or has it persisted? Drawing on the most recent surveys, Armelle Andro and Marie Lesclingand offer an overview of the situation and trends in FGM around the world, and recall the consequences of genital mutilation for women's sexual and reproductive health. Details: Paris: French Institute for Demographic Studies (INED), 2017. 4p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 3, 2017 at: https://www.ined.fr/fichier/s_rubrique/26419/543.population.societies.2017.april.en.pdf Year: 2017 Country: International URL: https://www.ined.fr/fichier/s_rubrique/26419/543.population.societies.2017.april.en.pdf Shelf Number: 145255 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital Mutilation Genital Mutilation Violence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Greater London Authority Title: Tackling Female Genital Mutilation in London Summary: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. 500,000 girls and women living in Europe have undergone FGM, and it is estimated that 170,000 women and girls are living with FGM in the UK today and that a further 65,000 girls under the age of 13 are at risk of the procedure. The first FGM figures in England, released last year, show that between April 2015 and March 2016 there were almost 6,000 new cases of FGM reported.2 FGM is a violation of the rights of girls and women. 50 per cent of all cases of FGM recorded in England are in London. The practice of FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985. The law was strengthened in 2003 to prevent girls travelling from the UK and undergoing FGM abroad. In October 2015 a mandatory reporting duty, which requires regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales to report 'known' cases of FGM in under 18s to the police, came into force. While laws are in place to stop FGM, we know legislation is only part of the solution. Prevention and education are important - training is key to empowering professionals and communities to speak up about what is going on in London, and schools need to take the right steps to protect vulnerable girls from FGM. The Mayor has said that tackling FGM will be an important part of his mayoralty. The campaign against the practice of FGM has gained significant momentum in the last few years. Positive steps have been taken to tackle FGM, and we have moved in the right direction. However, FGM is a hidden crime, is still taking place, and many girls remain at risk. It is apparent that there is still much more to be done to end this practice. In January 2017, the London Assembly held a conference that brought together frontline professionals with responsibility for tackling FGM from across the capital. It provided an opportunity for professionals to share best practice and talk frankly and openly about the challenges and barriers to tackling FGM. Details: London: London Assembly, 2017. 26p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 4, 2017 at: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/london_assembly_report_-_tackling_fgm_in_london.pdf Year: 2017 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/london_assembly_report_-_tackling_fgm_in_london.pdf Shelf Number: 147544 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: Khalifa, S. Title: Communities Tackling Female Genital Mutilation in the UK: Best Practice Guide Summary: Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is recognised as a severe form of violence against women and girls and a human rights violation that affects at least 200 million women and girls (UNICEF, 2016) around the world. FGM is a practice that involves changing, altering or removing part of a girl or a woman's external female genitalia without a medical or health reason. The World Health Organization has classified FGM into four major types ranging from pricking the clitoris to narrowing the vaginal opening. Despite FGM being a deeply embedded social norm with complex and various sociocultural justifications, it is a harmful and dangerous practice which can result in severe physical and mental health complications. FGM is illegal in the UK and is a form of child abuse. The FGM Act 2003 and the Prohibition of FGM (Scotland) Act 2005 made it a criminal offence to perform FGM. The Serious Crime Act 2015 has also tightened legislation on FGM and added measures to protect girls and women from undergoing the procedure. More information about FGM legislation is available in the Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance on FGM (2016). Details: London: Tackling Female Genital Mutilation Initiative and Options Consultancy Services Limited, 2016. 77p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed August 7, 2018 at: https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/publications/communities-tackling-female-genital-mutilation-uk-best-practice-guide/ Year: 2016 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk/publications/communities-tackling-female-genital-mutilation-uk-best-practice-guide/ Shelf Number: 151046 Keywords: Female CuttingFemale Genital MutilationHuman Rights AbusesViolence Against Women, Girls |
Author: O'Neil, S. Title: Summary: Definition of the problem More than 200 million girls and women alive today in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East have undergone some form of FGM (UNICEF 2016). Thirty million more are at risk over the next ten years. The WHO and experts around the world agree that FGM can have serious consequences on women and girls' physical and mental health. All EU member states have signed up to international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) that seek to safeguard these rights and therefore make it mandatory for states to protect women and girls affected by, or at risk of FGM. Different organisations around Europe have developed strategies against FGM and legislative measures have been taken to protect victims. However, despite increasing commitment to combat FGM, there are still significant gaps in the approach to tackle the practice (EIGE 2013). Since FGM was brought up as an important health issue by the WHO in 1975, it has often been taken for granted that men's domination and control of women has an important role to play in the perpetuation of the practice (Almroth et al. 2001; O’Neill 2013). The UNICEF report (2013), however, showed that in 16 African countries the percentage of men who want to stop FGM is higher than the rate of women who want to stop FGM, apart from in Sudan and Nigeria (UNICEF 2013:70). This suggests that the role of men in the perpetuation of the practice either seems to have changed or has been misunderstood. The UNICEF report further shows that in 8 countries the rate of women who think that men want FGM to end is significantly lower than the reality. In Guinea Conakry, for example, 12% of women think that men want to stop whereas in reality 42% of men want the practice to end (2013:72). This seems to point to a lack of communication between men and women, which the report confirms (2013:72). It has also often been claimed that in African countries where FGM is practised, men have a sexual preference for women who have undergone FGM (Hosken 1993). The recent UNICEF (2013) report however shows that in 12 countries only between 1-7% of men feel that the practice increases their sexual pleasure (UNICEF 2013:76). Regarding health consequences, a study in the Gambia showed that 72% of respondents did not know that FGM had a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of girls (Kaplan et al. 2013). In a behavior change study by Shell-Duncan et al. (Shell-Duncan et al. 2011) it was found that if men were involved in the decision on whether their daughters should undergo FGM, they were more likely to remain uncut. Little is actually known about African men's views on the practice in Africa and in Europe. A mixed methods study (qualitative and quantitative research) was conducted in Belgium, the UK and the Netherlands to increase knowledge of men's role in the perpetuation of the practice. This research is part of a European Daphne project "Men Speak Out" coordinated by GAMS Belgique with three main work streams: research, training and an awareness campaign aiming at engaging men in the prevention of FGM. Objectives of research The objectives of the qualitative research was to increase knowledge on the men's role in the perpetuation of the practice by addressing 4 key issues: 1. Men's understanding of FGM as a health risks and human rights violation, 2. Communication between women and men about the practice of FGM, 3. Men's opinions about FGM, 4. Male involvement in the decision making process to end the practice. The objective of the quantitative study was to estimate the proportion of men who are in favour of the continuation of FGM in Europe as compared to in their country of origin. The aim was therefore to find out whether migration and residence in Europe affects men's attitudes towards FGM. Study sites The study sites were Belgium, The Netherlands and the UK in collaboration with the community based organisations FORWARD UK, GAMS Belgium and HIMILIO foundation (The Netherlands) who have extensive experience campaigning against and conducting research on the practice. Details: Brussels, Belgium: Men Speak Out Project, 2015. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 12, 2019 at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321214035_Men_have_a_role_to_play_but_they_don't_play_it_A_mixed_methods_study_exploring_men's_involvement_in_Female_Genital_Mutilation_in_Belgium_the_Netherlands_and_the_United_Kingdom_Men_Speak_Out Year: 2017 Country: Europe URL: https://www.srhr-ask-us.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/FGM_MaleResponsibility.pdf Shelf Number: 154087 Keywords: Female CircumcisionFemale CuttingFemale Genital MutilationGender-Related ViolencePublic HealthViolence Against Women, Girls |