Why the problem (female genital mutilation) continues in Britain

Rupert Walder information officer

International Planned Parenthood Federation
Regent's College 
Regent's Park
London NW1 4NS

Female genital mutilation has been outlawed in Britain for nearly 10 years, and yet there are an estimated 10,000 girls and young women still at risk of the dangerous practice in this country. Why?

According to its proponents, female genital mutilation is a traditional or cultural practice. Irrespective of the fact that there seems to be little or no justification for it in religious texts, this does leave anyone dealing with the problem in Britain with a dilemma. Am I being racist or culturally insensitive if I choose to outlaw or criticise this practice? Beyond the fear of cultural steamrolling, there is also the very nature of the practice which is, in the minds of many, inextricably linked with sex, sexuality, and reproduction. This has provided a second barrier both to discussion and finding a solution. In the predominantly white, middle class, British medical and legal professions it has been all too convenient to ignore or avoid female genital mutilation because it is a private, difficult, or sensitive issue.

A combination of this "not my problem" clause and bureaucracy has also contributed to the perpetuation of the practice in Britain. Social services, child support agencies, refugee support groups, women's groups, human rights agencies, teachers, immigration services, and the medical profession all have a contribution to make but each is possibly too specific to tackle the issue effectively alone. Ideally a multi agency group should be formed, but there is a risk it would never find its way out of the red tape. There are, however, several organisations doing valuable work to publicise the extent and nature of female genital mutilation in this country. Unfortunately, information that is available on female genital mutilation is usually circulated among a closely knit group of individuals, their intentions laudable but their influence limited. The vast majority of health professionals in this country still think of female genital mutilation as a female version of male circumcision - rather like comparing rape with masturbation.

Educate families first Female genital mutilation affects girls, often too young or scared to fend for themselves, who are almost invariably subjected to vigorous social and family pressure. It is those families that must be educated first, with discretion and sensitivity, and preferably by women from within their own communities. The only way that this harmful and mindless practice will be eradicated - both here and abroad - will be when parents wish to provide their daughters with the freedom, status, and physical safety that they deserve. For this to happen, women within those communities, many of whom will have been subjected to female genital mutilation themselves, must be empowered to speak out for what they want rather than that which they have come to expect. Legislation against female genital mutilation may well have contributed to the practice going "under ground" in this country, but it has not made it disappear.

Declarations, discussion, and increasing media interest are making a valuable contribution to the understanding of female genital mutilation, but it will be those who are affected most who will eventually make the choice to eradicate the mutilation on our doorsteps.