1. Introduction
"It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. Furthermore, there are an estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year. The majority of girls are cut before they turn 15 years old"
This statement comes directly from the World Health Organisation and whilst it remains a major issue in countries where it is traditionally practised, increased globalisation and population movement has seen a rise in women and girls living with FGM throughout the world, including in the UK.
This poses a challenge for health care professionals who must look beyond the rhetoric to provide culturally competent care, and as such need to understand FGM, its cultural background and impact, fully.
Transcript
It is estimated that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation in the countries where the practice is concentrated. Furthermore, there are an estimated 3 million girls at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation every year. The majority of girls are cut before they turn 15 years old.