Relevant Aspects of Female Genital Mutilation

Abstract

This chapter deals with FGM, female genital mutilation, also named female genital cutting or female circumcision. Though mainly practised in African and Middle East countries, it is still the reality for many women and girls who migrated from those countries to Europe and other parts of the world. In 2022, UNICEF estimated that, globally, at least 200 million women and girls had undergone this procedure.The physical damage and consequences of FGM depend on the extent of the procedure and the medical and hygienic conditions during the event. Circumcised women deserve proper care regarding their medical and obstetrical side effects. This chapter will address some of the expected urological, gynaecological, and obstetrical consequences for the midwife who meets women with FGM throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. On the other hand, this chapter will address various aspects of FGM’s psychological, sexual, and social impact on the woman and the couple.It can be confusing for the midwife who doesn’t work (or doesn’t yet work) in a multicultural setting when confronted with women after FGM. So the chapter will elaborate on ‘How to approach the woman after FGM in a respectful and caring manner?’This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.

Female Genital Mutilation in Mary Karooro Okurut’s The Switch

“…Similarly, to this, my study seeks to identify the perception and angle from which the author depicts FGM in their works. Abdulrehman (2023) also identifies mixed reactions to FGM among African writers. Some are positive, while the majority are negative.…”

“…I intend to identify the extent to which tradition contributes to the FGM practice and establish the standpoint of the selected authors towards FGM. Abdulrehman's (2023) study made me relate their perception to the community in which they originate. The above-mentioned study helped me to establish why communities engage in FGM, thus contributing to my study findings.…”