New version (FR & NL) of the guide “Genital mutilation: addressing common myths and misconceptions”
In this guide, originally published in 2016, GAMS Belgium and the Concerted Strategies for fighting FGM aim to deconstruct the myths and misconceptions about female genital mutilation (FGM).
Ending stigmatisation
FGM is a form of gender-based violence that some migrant women may face. The practice is often unfamiliar to the general public and surrounded by a number of myths and misconceptions that can lead to stigmatisation.
All too often, such myths have been detrimental to those affected by FGM. Affected people are seen, for example, as “barbarians” or as “passive victims”.
Objectives
The authors are convinced that it is by deconstructing myths and misconceptions and keeping an open mind that we will build an equitable, inclusive, non-racist and non-violent society.
The guide addresses 13 myths and misconceptions that are often heard by the field teams in the course of their work: the origin and geographical prevalence of the people concerned, victimisation, sexuality, barbarism, religion, genital cosmetic surgery, medicalisation, circumcision, episiotomy, intersex genital mutilation…
This publication aims to inform professionals, students, teachers, activists, public institutions and anyone else interested in the issue of FGM.
French and Dutch versions updated in 2020
The guide has been revisited by GAMS Belgium and the Concerted Strategies for fighting FGM in the framework of the project “Deconstructing preconceived ideas about migrant women who have undergone FGM”, funded by Equal Brussels in 2020. It now tends towards real anti-racist thinking and contains a new chapter on obstetric violence.
Download and print the guide!
The guide is available for free in PDF format.
The guide also exists in English as the first edition was translated by the End FGM EU Network in 2019: https://www.endfgm.eu/resources/end-fgm-network/addressing-common-myths-and-misconceptions-on-fgm/
