Tackling Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) The local picture: Portsmouth

SDAS FGM/C Project Research: ‘Attitudes to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Portsmouth and Southampton, 2014’ Overarching aim Make a significant contribution towards the eradication of the practice of FGM/C.

African Population Statistics for Portsmouth and Southampton PortsmouthSouthampton 2001 Black or Black British: African Black or Black British: African 1, Mixed: White and Black African Mixed: White and Black African 480 Total836Total1, Black/African/Caribbean/Black British; African 2, Black/African/Caribbean/Black British; African (Persons) 1 3, Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups; White and Black African Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups; White and Black African 941 Total3,893Total4,449 UK Population Census, 2011

Table indicating number of participants, their country of origin and the estimated prevalence of FGM/C at origin. * United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) statistical overview July 2013 ( Country of Origin Over 56 Total Estimated prevalence rate of FGM/C in country of origin* Eritrean % Gambia % Ghana1234% Guinea % Ivory Coast1138% Kenya1127% Liberia2266% Mali1189% Nigeria111327% Senegal31426% Somalia111398% Sudan231688% Tanzania & Zanzibar11215% Togo114% Uganda111% Zambia110.9% 55

Research Results Supportive of FGM/C* Total = 7 (12.7%) *This group did not see it as mutilation. Ambivalent Total = 15 (27.3%) This group is against FGM/C but women felt they may have little choice, generally ambivalent answers giving some against and some for statements (e.g. it is mutilation but also an important part of the culture.) Opposed to FGM/C Total = 33 (60%)

Responses Ambivalent views A Guinean woman said, “All women in my community are circumcised; I was 11 when it was done to me, I was taken on holiday back to Guinea and it was done. I don’t think they should do it but they (my community) feel it should be done. I blame my mother and grandmother and culture for doing this to me. I don’t think it should be done any more but it is part of tradition. No one should go to jail for it, I’ve been raised to believe it is important.”

Responses Ambivalent views A Gambian woman stated, “I went through FGM when 5 years old back in Gambia, it was very traumatic I can still recall it now. I do not blame my mother but just accept it is part of my tradition. It is very painful and problematic for women, but if I have a daughter I would put her through it because it is part of our cultural identity. “

Responses Ambivalent views Another Guinean woman stated, “every Guinean woman is basically cut even girls born here. I don‘t think it is child abuse it is an action to protect your child; you could be a victim if you are not circumcised. I don’t want my daughters to go through it but I worry.”

Research Recommendations 1. Engage with organisations and groups in African diaspora communities where the practice has support 2. Develop education and empowerment programmes that focus on empowering women and girls. 3. Develop resources to raise awareness and educate professionals to better understand the issues and enable them to signpost women and children to appropriate support and expertise. 4. Establish a systematic personal and social education schools programme, with opportunities built in for individual children worried about FGM/C to disclose safely. The fear about FGM/C being performed on trips home could be addressed by targeted interventions working with schools.

SDAS Approach to tackling FGM/C Community Engagement Work is focused on establishing trust, communication and education Shift in public understanding and awareness Health and legal implications of FGM/C Empower women to safeguard children Capacity building to reject FGM/C Guinea community of Portsmouth Group

SDAS Approach to tackling FGM/C Community Engagement Community events UOP students Supporting survivors- one-to-one emotional support- disclosure; signposting Challenges with support- ‘victims’

SDAS Approach to tackling FGM/C- Resources

SDAS Approach to tackling FGM/C Community Champions Project Rights based approach Empower women to challenge social, cultural and religious beliefs Build capacity to speak out against abuse Provide women with safe space to share experiences Reduce isolation and promote integration Empower women to break cultural barriers and discuss sexuality Relationship with statutory agencies

SDAS Approach to tackling FGM/C Joint-working with other agencies to safeguard children and promote improved responses of FGM/C. Training for professionals – QA Midwifery FGM/C Steering group FGM/C task and finish group (pan- Hampshire)

Way forward.... Rights of young people to empowerment, participation and inclusion Children and young people should be enabled to be mentors and peer supporters Give them a platform through PSHE Success of Community-led initiatives

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