The Scottish Governments National Action Plan on FGM:
Progression and Cooperation
In February 2016, the Scottish Government published their national action plan to prevent and eradicate female genital mutilation (FGM)1. The practice has been outlawed in Scotland since 1985 and is described as a mark of violence against women and girls. Misleadingly FGM is solely attached to religion, and common misconception fails to attach the cultural importance of the practice to regional tradition. Those particularly affected are located in the east, west and north-eastern countries of Africa 2. It is also common in some regions of the Middle East. FGM has been described by the Scottish Government’s Health and Social Care Sector as being starkly discriminative, providing no health benefits and weighted with severe long-term consequences for the victim. The physical aspect of FGM is summarised as follows:
“all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.”
World Health Organisation (WHO) 3
The implementation of the plan itself began in 2016 and finished in 2020. The health and social care department released a progress report in 2019 detailing the changes to eradicate FGM in Scotland 4. Through their commitment to eradicating FGM, the new Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on the 29th of May 2019. The bill became an act on the 24th of April 2020, updating the original 2005 act on the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation 5. With 0 votes against, the act’s passage represents a significant milestone of unity in Scottish politics, addressing the absence of legal protection for those at risk and suffering from FGM. Not only did this passing signify a strengthening of legislative infrastructure, but it also set a precedent for other nations to follow alongside. As part of the initiative to reduce FGM, the Scottish Government now liaisons with the British Home Office to discuss state-wide policy in addressing the issue. Cooperation amongst political leaders is necessary for getting to the roots of FGM practice in the UK. Under the introduced amendments, a court will be able to make an FGM Protection Order with its purpose to prevent and protect the likelihood that a person or group will be subjected to FGM. In congruence with the idea of prevention, this change means that the court can act before the practice has occurred, reducing the likelihood of the act occurring in the first place.
Notably, the Scottish Government recognises that legislation alone will not eradicate FGM. A multitude of social concerns needs to be addressed. As recognised by the National FGM Centre, sexism and fear of rebelling against one’s culture only preserve the existence of the practice 6. So far, there have been no FGM related prosecutions in Scotland, but thousands live with having the practice carried out on them. Prevention should also take a bottom-up approach. To encourage awareness, the plan combines investment with community engagement to further the recognition of FGM and its implications, empowering people to challenge the practice of FGM. WHO and the National FGM Centre press the fact that carries FGM no health benefits, stressing the opposite.
Further, resources have been provided in schools to both teachers and students. In the NHS, staff have been given access to information on FGM, with details of available services through their local intranet. According to the 2019 update report, FGM is now included in the pre-requisites for support relating to gender-based violence. The delivery of trauma-informed care has been included in the growing aid available to persons suffering.
To reflect on the international community for a moment, the United Nations have also begun a campaign to end FGM by 2030, stating the importance of universal cooperation on the matter. Recognised by the Sustainable Development Goals, the encouragement of gender equality is a must in becoming a more empowering, sustainable planet 7. It appears that the Scottish Government has become active in achieving this goal. By making public bodies aware of the practice, we become closer to ending the act of violence against those vulnerable. With these initiatives in mind, we step closer to a world where people can live without fear of violence and suffering; the campaign to end FGM aids women’s liberation. Full human potential cannot be exercised if 50% of its population remains at risk of having their human rights violated.
References
1 Scotland's national action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
3 Female genital mutilation (who.int)
4 National action plan to prevent and eradicate FGM: year three report - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
5 Female Genital Mutilation (Protection and Guidance) (Scotland) Act 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)
7 Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development | Department of Economic and Social Affairs (un.org)
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