In early 2019, a woman was found guilty of female genital mutilation for the first time ever in the UK. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison. But what is FGM? And where does it come from?
What is FGM? FGM stands for "female genital mutilation". It involves cutting, injuring or removing parts of the external female genitalia for no medical reason. This is sometimes called "female circumcision" or "cutting". Around three million girls are at risk of FGM each year. It usually happens before they turn 15.
There are four main types of FGM: Type 1 (clitoridectomy) involves removing the clitorisFound at the top of the female genitalia, and the main source of female sexual pleasure.. Type 2 (excision) involves removing the clitoris and the inner or outer labiaThe labia are the two sets of vaginal lips - the fleshy folds of skin protecting the vagina.. Type 3 (infibulation) involves narrowing or sealing the vaginal opening. Type 4 includes any other damage that might be done, including cutting, scraping or burning the area.
All four types of FGM are illegal in the UK. It is also illegal for someone to take a child who lives in the UK to another country for FGM.
Has anyone ever been convicted? FGM has been illegal for more than 30 years in the UK, but the first conviction was not made until February 2019. A woman from East London was found guilty of performing FGM on her three-year-old daughter in 2017. A month later, she was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Why did it take so long? According to City University, there are around 144,000 girls at risk of FGM in England and Wales. However, it is a highly secretive practice, and it can be difficult to gather enough evidence for a court case.
"Often you are relying on a child giving evidence against someone close to them," says Allen Davis of the
Metropolitan PoliceThe name of London's police force.. Although there has only been one conviction, over 200 FGM protection orders have been issued since 2015. These are legal ways of protecting children who are at risk, such as by restricting their passports. New laws to make it easier to protect girls from FGM will be debated in Parliament next month.
Where does FGM come from? Although it is sometimes seen as a religious practice, it predates Christianity and Islam. There is no religion in the world which requires FGM.
Instead, it is a cultural practice which may go as far back as ancient Egypt; historians have found mummies with signs of FGM.
Where does it happen? Mostly in 30 African countries, as well as some countries in the Middle East and Asia. However, it can also happen in Western countries like the UK, particularly among families from places where FGM is common.
Why does it happen? Several reasons can be given for FGM. In many cases it is part of a tradition or culture - for example, it might be seen as a rite of passage for women, or a pre-condition for marriage. Sometimes it is believed to protect a woman's virginity or control her sex drive. Some people wrongly think it is needed in order to have children. It can also be done for aesthetic reasons.
These beliefs are often deeply held, meaning parents think they are doing the right thing for their daughter. However, none of these reasons justify harming a child against her will. FGM is a form of child abuse, and it violates the victim's human rightsThe basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. Some have called for animals and even natural phenomena like rivers to have some form of human rights..
What are the effects? FGM can lead to health problems for the rest of the victim's life - including pain, bleeding, difficulty going to the toilet, infections, and problems during sex and childbirth. It can also have severe effects on mental health. In extreme cases, victims have died from the procedure.
What should I do if I am worried about FGM? If you are worried that a girl you know is at risk of FGM, you can anonymously call the NSPCCThe National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a charity campaigning and working in child protection in the United Kingdom. on 0800 028 3550. If you or someone you know is at immediate risk, you can call the police on 999.
Clitoris - Found at the top of the female genitalia, and the main source of female sexual pleasure.
Labia - The labia are the two sets of vaginal lips - the fleshy folds of skin protecting the vagina.
Metropolitan Police - The name of London's police force.
Human rights - The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. Some have called for animals and even natural phenomena like rivers to have some form of human rights.
NSPCC - The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a charity campaigning and working in child protection in the United Kingdom.
FGM

Glossary
Clitoris - Found at the top of the female genitalia, and the main source of female sexual pleasure.
Labia - The labia are the two sets of vaginal lips – the fleshy folds of skin protecting the vagina.
Metropolitan Police - The name of London's police force.
Human rights - The basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death. They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life. Some have called for animals and even natural phenomena like rivers to have some form of human rights.
NSPCC - The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children is a charity campaigning and working in child protection in the United Kingdom.