On the day against female genital mutilation: safe and self-determined healthcare now!

Gender-based violence remains a bitter reality that many of those affected experience in secret. As long as violence against women exists, we are not free. A particularly brutal form is female genital mutilation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 200 million women and girls worldwide are affected by FGM-C; the number of unreported cases could be much higher. Today, on International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, we call for the unconditional implementation of the human right to medical care for affected women.

Female genital mutilation is a global, everyday and serious form of gender-based violence. It is estimated that there are over 100.000 people affected in Germany alone. FGM-C (Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting) has rightly been considered a criminal offense in Germany since 2013 and has been anchored in asylum law as a recognized reason for escape. The Council of Europe and the Istanbul Convention also set clear guidelines for the protection of women and girls from gender-based violence. However, the practical implementation reveals significant deficiencies - including in the asylum procedure, in which FGC-M rarely receives inadequate recognition.

Both the GREVIO monitoring and the alternative report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention only mention four FGM-C cases for 2021 and 2022: two of them discontinued, two of which were fined. How can that be? Because it is still a stigmatized and taboo topic that lacks comprehensive information!

This education and awareness-raising becomes particularly indispensable with regard to the healthcare system. Genital mutilation is a bodily harm and even a human rights violation. The right to self-determination of the women affected is severely violated. But that's not all: instead of being treated and caught appropriately, they still have to fight for proper medical care. Access to medicine and preventative care is a human right. This applies always and everywhere. In the case of FGM-C, however, education is extremely important so that violent experiences can be avoided for those affected during treatment.  

“We particularly criticize the lack of knowledge among health workers in dealing with women affected by FGM-C. We cannot tolerate women having to fear stigma and incorrect treatment or being afraid to have necessary examinations. They often do not understand what is happening to their body from a purely linguistic perspective. In such vulnerable situations, empathy and understanding are essential!” warns Dr. Delal Atmaca, managing director of DaMigra eV

Reality shows: women and girls have to struggle with stigmas and taboos. A non-violent life for refugee and migrant women must finally be enforced in practices and hospitals. We therefore call for comprehensive education and training for medical staff to ensure appropriate, non-discriminatory care and advice. Protected spaces are needed here and now in which intercultural sensitization is a reality and normality.

DaMigra eV represents the interests of women migrant organizations and their concerns and advocates equal opportunities, equal participation and the equality of women with a history of migration and refugee experience in Germany. DaMigra follows the approach of anti-racist feminism.