Female Genital Mutilation in Africa: Case
study of Somalia
TOPIC
By
RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION
Henrietta Arinze and JaanClement
(JC)
RELEVANT
HEALTH AND
SOCIAL ISSUES
Global Health Epidemiology
RESPONSIBILITY
ON RISK
ASSESSMENT
SUBSTANCE
(RAS)+
CONCLUSION+
QUESTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
The Importance of Addressing Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM)
Human rights
violation
Health
consequences
Gender
inequality
Long-lasting
impact:
Interconnecte
d issues
Global
significance
Our aim is to raise awareness, foster understanding, and
explore strategies to combat FGM, a deeply rooted practice
affecting millions of women and girls especially in Africa.
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Discussion
• How can we create a world where every
woman and girl is free from the harms of
FGM?
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History of Female
Genital Mutilation in
Somalia
Cultural tradition: FGM has been deeply embedded in Somali
culture for generations, with historical records suggesting its
practice dating back several centuries.
Rite of passage: FGM is often seen as a cultural rite of passage
marking the transition from girlhood to womanhood in Somali
society.
Social acceptance: FGM is considered a social norm in many
communities in Somalia, with families and communities upholding
and perpetuating the practice.
Community identity: FGM is linked to the preservation of cultural
identity and community cohesion, reinforcing the belief that it is an
essential part of Somali culture.
Interconnected with marriageability: FGM is associated with
societal expectations around marriageability, with the belief that it
enhances a woman's desirability and eligibility for marriage within
the community.
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Evolution and
spread of FGM
practices
FGM has evolved and spread within Somalia
across different communities.
Factors contributing to the persistence and
prevalence of FGM in Somalia include:
Tradition: FGM is
considered a cultural
tradition and rite of
passage.
Religion: Some
communities link FGM to
religious beliefs, although
it is not endorsed by
Islam.
Social pressure:
Societal expectations and
community acceptance
play a role in perpetuating
the practice.
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Definitions, Mechanisms, and Health Aspects
FGM refers to
the partial or
total removal of
the external
female genitalia
or other injury
to the female
genital organs
for non-medical
reasons.
Type I
(clitoridectomy)
FGM is
categorized into
four types
Type II (excision)
Type III
(infibulation)
Type IV (other
harmful
procedures; e.g
piercing, pricking
or burning)
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Physical, psychological and sexual health effects
Physical health
effects: FGM can
lead to immediate
and long-term
complications
such as pain,
infections, urinary
problems,
menstruation
difficulties, and
complications
during childbirth.
Psychological
health effects:
FGM can cause
psychological
trauma, anxiety,
depression, posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD),
and other mental
health
consequences.
Sexual health
effects: FGM
may lead to
sexual
dysfunction,
painful
intercourse,
decreased sexual
satisfaction, and
complications in
sexual and
reproductive
health.
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Epidemiology & Current Research
Somalia has recorded
one of the highest
prevalence rates of FGM
globally, with alarming
statistics. According to
reports, approximately
98% of girls between the
ages of 5-11 in Somalia
have undergone FGM.
The most common form
of FGM in Somalia is
Type III, known as
infibulation, which is
considered the most
severe and brutal form
of the practice.
Globally, the UNICEF
reports that at least 200
million girls and women
in 31 countries have
undergone FGM,
demonstrating the
widespread nature of the
issue.
These staggering
numbers underscore the
importance of concerted
efforts on a global scale
to eliminate FGM,
protect the rights of girls
and women, and
promote gender equality
and empowerment.
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What made interventions successful?
Community
engagement,
education, awareness,
and alternative rites of
passage.
Work closely with local
communities, religious
leaders, and influential
individuals.
Empowerment through
accurate information
and informed decisionmaking.
Raise awareness
through media,
workshops, and
community events.
Challenge traditional
beliefs and promote
FGM abandonment.
Offer culturally
sensitive alternatives
to FGM.
Long-term
engagement for
sustained impact.
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Failed interventions and lessons learned
Limited collaboration: Lack of
coordination and collaboration
among stakeholders, including
government agencies, NGOs,
and community leaders, hindered
the implementation and impact of
interventions.
Overemphasis on punitive
measures: Interventions solely
relying on punitive measures
without a comprehensive
approach of education,
awareness, and support may
lead to unintended
consequences and further
stigmatization.
Absence of long-term
strategies: Failed interventions
often lacked a long-term vision
and comprehensive strategies to
bring about sustained behavioral
change and societal
transformation.
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Diagnostic, Treatment, and Technological Solutions
The aim is to move away from invasive
procedures, such as physical examinations,
towards non-invasive methods that are safe,
reliable, and respectful of individual autonomy
and privacy.
•
Consent
•
Accountability
•
Responsibility
•
Essentiality
•
= C.A.R.E.
Non-invasive diagnostic tools may include
imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to
visualize and evaluate the anatomical
structures affected by FGM.
Other potential tools being explored involve
biomarker
analysis,
utilizing
biological
samples, such as blood or urine, to identify
specific indicators or signatures related to
FGM.
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New treatment approaches and techniques
Innovative surgical
techniques are being
developed to provide
reconstructive
procedures that can
restore and repair the
physical damage
caused by FGM.
In addition to surgical
interventions,
specialized care and
support services are
being developed to
address the
psychological and
emotional needs of
FGM survivors.
Holistic approaches,
such as counselling,
psychotherapy, and
peer support, are
being integrated to
promote healing,
resilience, and overall
well-being.
Collaboration between
medical professionals,
psychologists, and
support organizations
is key to ensuring
comprehensive care
that addresses both
the physical and
psychological aspects
of FGM-related health
complications.
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Technological advancements addressing
FGM
Technological advancements are being leveraged to raise awareness about FGM and disseminate information
through digital platforms, mobile applications, and social media campaigns.
These digital tools facilitate outreach, education, and advocacy efforts to reach a wider audience and challenge
the social norms surrounding FGM.
Virtual training programs provide an opportunity for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and
skills in managing FGM-related health issues, even in areas with limited access to specialized training.
Telemedicine offers remote healthcare services, enabling healthcare providers to offer consultations, advice, and
support to individuals affected by FGM, regardless of their geographical location.
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Governance, Social Impact, and Ethical
Considerations
Governments play a crucial role in
enacting legislation, developing
policies, and allocating resources
to address FGM.
Organizations, including NGOs
and international bodies, provide
support, advocacy, and expertise
in implementing interventions and
raising awareness.
FGM has profound social
implications, perpetuating harmful
gender norms, reinforcing gender
inequality, and hindering women's
empowerment.
The practice can lead to social
stigma, isolation, and limited
educational and economic
opportunities for survivors.
FGM is widely recognized as a
violation of human rights,
including the rights to health,
physical integrity, and freedom
from violence and discrimination.
Ethical considerations involve
respecting individual autonomy,
cultural sensitivity, and ensuring
the well-being and rights of those
affected by FGM.
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Cross-Cutting Issues
• FGM intersects with various gender-related issues,
including child marriage, gender-based violence,
reproductive health, and women's rights.
• Addressing FGM requires a comprehensive
understanding of these interconnected issues to
develop holistic and effective interventions.
• FGM and child marriage often coexist, as both are
driven by similar underlying factors such as gender
inequality, social norms, and control over women's
bodies.
• FGM can hinder access to education and limit
economic opportunities for girls and women,
perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender
disparities.
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Future Outlook & Strategy
Current trends show a growing global
movement to end FGM, with increased
awareness, advocacy, and policy
reforms.
Projections indicate that with sustained
efforts, progress can be made towards
the abandonment of FGM and the
promotion of gender equality.
Strategies should include comprehensive
education, community engagement, legal
frameworks, and access to healthcare
services.
Enough Already
Empowering women and girls, promoting
gender equality, and addressing social
norms are key components of effective
strategies.
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Challenges and Opportunities
Deep-rooted cultural beliefs and societal norms may pose
resistance to change and the abandonment of FGM.
Limited resources, including financial, human, and
infrastructure, can impede comprehensive interventions and
support services.
Lack of awareness and understanding among communities and
stakeholders may hinder progress.
Technological advancements can be leveraged to enhance
awareness, education, and support for the eradication of FGM.
Increased collaboration between governments, NGOs,
community leaders, and international organizations can foster
collective action and resource mobilization.
Changing societal attitudes towards gender equality and human
rights present an opportunity to challenge harmful practices like
FGM.
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Questions & Discussion
1
In your opinion what
are some of the key
challenges you think
need to be addressed
in order to effectively
combat FGM?
2
Are there any
successful
interventions or
initiatives from other
regions or countries
that you believe can
be adapted and
implemented in the
context of FGM in
Somalia?
3
How can technology
and digital platforms
be leveraged to
raise awareness
about FGM and
support survivors?
4
What role do you
think the male
gender can play in
ending FGM and
promoting gender
equality?
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References:
UNICEF. (2005). Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Statistical Overview
and Exploration of the Dynamics of Change. Retrieved from
https://data.unicef.org/resources/female-genital-mutilationcuttingstatistical-overview-exploration-dynamics-change/
World Health Organization (WHO). (2016). Female Genital Mutilation: Key
facts. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/factsheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2017). Female Genital
Mutilation: A Global Concern. Retrieved from
https://www.unfpa.org/female-genital-mutilation
Equality Now. (2020). Female Genital Mutilation. Retrieved from
https://www.equalitynow.org/issues/female-genital-mutilation
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