Estimating the Magnitude of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Norway: An Extrapolation Model

Background

With emphasis on policy implications, the main objective of this study was to estimate the numbers of two main groups affected by FGM/C in Norway: 1) those already subjected to FGM/C and therefore potentially in need for health care and 2) those at risk of FGM/C and consequently the target of preventive and protective measures. Special attention has been paid to type III as it is associated with more severe complications.

Methods

Register data from Statistics Norway (SSB) was combined with population-based survey data on FGM/C in the women/girls’ countries of origin.

Results

As of January 1^st 2013, there were 44,467 first and second-generation female immigrants residing in Norway whose country of origin is one of the 29 countries where FGM/C is well documented. About 40 pct. of these women and girls are estimated to have already been subjected to FGM/C prior to immigration to Norway. Type III is estimated in around 50 pct. of those already subjected to FGM/C. Further, a total of 15,500 girls are identified as potentially at risk, out of which an approximate number of girls ranging between 3000 and 7900 are estimated to be at risk of FGM/C.

Conclusion

Reliable estimates on FGM/C are important for evidence-based policies. The study findings indicate that about 17,300 women and girls in Norway can be in need of health care, in particular the 9100 who are estimated to have type III. Preventive and protective measures are also needed to protect girls at risk (3000 to 7900) from being subjected to FGM/C. Nevertheless, as there are no appropriate tools at the moment that can single these girls out of all who are potentially at risk, all girls in the potentially at risk group (15,500) should be targeted with preventive measures.

Below:  FGM/C Percentage of girls and women already subjected to FGM/C in Norway by country of origin

Below:  Numbers of girls and women subjected to FGM/C type III by most represented countries of origin

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/QFkFuS

By:  Mai M. Ziyada, Marthe Norberg-Schulz, and R. Elise B. Johansen

Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, P.b. 181 Nydalen, 0409 Oslo, Norway

Samfunnsøkonomisk analyse (Formerly DAMVAD Norge AS), Olavsvei 112, 1450 Nesoddtangen, Norway

Mai M. Ziyada, Email: on.stvkn@adayiz.m.m.

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Countries with Highest Prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation, 2004-15

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Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Risk Management and Strategies for Social Workers and Health Care Professionals

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a traditional practice originating in Africa. Its worst forms cause irreparable harm to girls and women and have no medical justification. Based on a literature review of global responses to FGM/C and conversations with Australian women who migrated from FGM/C practicing countries, this paper provides some background on FGM/C and its epidemiology, outlining its prevalence, types, and health risks and complications for women and girls. It discusses risk-prevention strategies, first, for health practitioners in identifying, screening, and supporting women affected by FGM/C and, second, for welfare and social workers and health care professionals to identify, work with, and prevent girls from being cut. Consistent with international trends in addressing the risks of FGM/C, the paper suggests practice responses for coordinated responses between professionals, communities from practicing countries, and governments of different countries.

Countries grouped according to prevalence, types I, II, and III and laws against FGM/C

Categories	Prevalence of girls and women of reproductive age who report having been cut, and Type of FGC/M	Countries	Countries with laws against FGM/C
1. Very high prevalence countries, almost universal	Over 80% of girls and women of reproductive age reported having been cut, 30% Type III	Somalia (98%), Guinea (96%), Djibouti (93%), Egypt (91%). Eritrea (89%), Mali (89%), Sierra Leone (88%), Sudan (88%).	Djibouti, Egypt. Eritrea, Guinea, Somalia, Sudan.
2. Moderately high prevalence countries	Between 51% and 80% of girls and women cut, predominantly Types I and II	Gambia (76%), Burkina Faso (76%), Ethiopia (74%), Mauritania (69%), Liberia (66%).	Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mauritania.
3. Moderately low prevalence countries	Between 26% and 50% of girls and women cut, predominantly Types I and II	Guinea Bissau (50%), Chad (44%), Cote D’Ivoire (38%), Kenya (27%), Nigeria (27%), Senegal (26%).	Chad, Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria.
4. Low prevalence	Between 10 and 25%, predominantly Types I and II	Central African Republic (24%), Yemen (23%), United Republic of Tanzania (15%), Benin (13%).	Central African Republic, Benin, United Republic of Tanzania.
5. Very low prevalence	Below 10%	Iraq (8%), Ghana (4%), Togo (4%), Niger (2%), Cameroon (1%), Uganda (1%).	Ghana, Niger, Togo.

Notes: Data from UNICEF 2013,4 and Macfarlane and Dorkenoo.15

Abbreviation: FGM/C, female genital mutilation/cutting.

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/h2My9U

By:  Susan Costello

School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Correspondence: Susan Costello, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, 360 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3001, VIC, Australia, Email ua.ude.timr@olletsoc.nasus

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Sexual Violence Against Female Sex Workers in The Gambia

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