Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice recognized as a human rights violation. While significant strides have been made to address FGM globally, its prevalence in humanitarian settings remains underexplored. This blog post delves into the findings of a comprehensive scoping review on FGM in these contexts and offers practitioners insights on how they can enhance their skills and contribute to the fight against this practice.
The Complex Landscape of FGM in Humanitarian Settings
The scoping review highlights that FGM in humanitarian settings is influenced by a myriad of factors. These include pre-existing cultural norms, the impact of displacement, and interactions with host communities. In some cases, displacement weakens the social norms that perpetuate FGM, leading to a decline in its practice. However, there are instances where the practice persists or even intensifies due to social pressures and economic hardships exacerbated by crises.
Key Findings from the Research
- Prevalence and Incidence: The review found limited studies providing estimates of FGM prevalence in crisis-affected populations. The practice's incidence varies significantly depending on the region and community dynamics.
- Drivers: Factors such as marriageability, social identity preservation, and economic insecurity are pivotal drivers of FGM in these settings.
- Consequences: The medical, psychological, and social consequences of FGM are severe, particularly in environments where healthcare services are disrupted.
- Lack of Effective Interventions: There is a notable gap in research on effective interventions to prevent FGM or support survivors in humanitarian contexts.
A Call to Action for Practitioners
This research underscores the urgent need for practitioners working in humanitarian settings to deepen their understanding of FGM's complexities. Here are some actionable steps practitioners can take:
- Pursue Further Research: Engage with ongoing research efforts to better understand the nuances of FGM in crisis settings. Contribute to filling the gaps by documenting experiences and outcomes related to interventions.
- Cultural Sensitivity Training: Enhance your skills through training programs that focus on cultural sensitivity and understanding the socio-cultural dynamics that influence FGM practices.
- Collaborative Efforts: Work collaboratively with local communities, including religious and community leaders, to develop culturally appropriate interventions that address the root causes of FGM.
- Create Awareness: Use your platform to raise awareness about the harmful effects of FGM and advocate for policies that protect women and girls from this practice.
- Evidenced-Based Interventions: Support initiatives that focus on evidence-based interventions tailored to specific humanitarian contexts.
The fight against FGM requires collective action from practitioners across various disciplines. By equipping themselves with knowledge and skills drawn from research like this scoping review, practitioners can play a crucial role in eradicating this harmful practice.
