What steps can we take to eradicate FGM in Ireland?

Background

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is internationally recognised as a gross violation of human rights and a form of gender-based violence.

According to the Central Statistics Office, 5,790 women and girls in Ireland are FGM survivors, and there are an estimated 1,600 girls deemed at-risk.

The practice of FGM is usually targeted at schoolgirls, with FGM ceremonies planned in their parents’ home countries to coincide with holiday breaks. In the current situation of intermittent opening/closing of school and travel restrictions; ActionAid Ireland believes, with the lack of opportunity to travel to home countries and confinement to family homes, there is a danger the practice will continue and indeed increase here in Ireland.

National Action Plan on FGM

ActionAid and other members of the National Steering Committee on FGM are calling on the Government to eliminate FGM in Ireland by committing to the development and implementation of a National Action Plan on FGM.

This comprehensive plan would involve a government-led response in collaboration with state-bodies, civil society groups and affected communities, as well as funding and supporting anti-FGM programmes and providing key targets and indicators to measure progress towards eradication.

Other policy suggestions put forth by the National Steering Committee on FGM include:

• Establish an intergovernmental working group including the relevant government departments, civil society actors, frontline services and representatives from affected communities
• Establish funding for a network of Community Health Ambassadors who work with affected communities to challenge FGM at a grassroots level
• Implement fully Ireland’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention, promoting a holistic and integrated approach in relation to violence against women and FGM.
• Training for healthcare and frontline service providers working with FGM-affected communities, including, for example, healthcare professionals, social workers, Gardaí and those working with asylum seekers.

Support

Over 10,500 people signed our petition calling on the Government to commit to ending FGM in Ireland.

We sent the petition to all TDs and Senators. The following politicians pledged support:

• Senator Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fáil)
• Senator Marie Sherlock (Labour) 
• Jennifer Whitmore T.D (Social Democrats)
• Mairéad Farrell T.D (Sinn Féin)
• Neasa Hourigan T.D (Green Party) submitted a Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, about the Government’s plans to end FGM in Ireland. 

Minister McEntee stated this issue falls with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly T.D. We have asked him to comment on the issue but have yet to receive a response. 

ActionAid Ireland and other members of the National Steering Committee on FGM – alongside members of the public – will continue to advocate the Government to eliminate FGM.

ActionAid Ireland’s project to end FGM in Ireland

ActionAid has been working on preventing FGM in Ireland since 2016. Our work centres around ActionAid’s ‘Reflection Action’ methodology. This focuses on empowerment and awareness-raising activities. It has been adopted by over 500 organisations in 70 different countries – all reporting positive results in the fight against FGM. In 2021, we will be working with people living in direct provision centres around Ireland by delivering online training to people from countries where FGM is commonly practiced.