Initially, I was curious about the question of how the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed globally on February 6th, relates to the Australian context.
I considered that Australia may be somewhat distanced from the traditional practices and cultural norms associated with FGM, which are predominantly found in certain regions of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
This initial inquiry led me to delve deeper into the statistics and reports, which revealed a more complex and compelling narrative about the presence and implications of FGM within Australian society. It challenged my initial assumptions and highlighted the importance of awareness and action on this issue in Australia.
So, what is FGM? FGM involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Internationally, FGM is recognised as a violation of several human rights principles and agreements. It contravenes the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), both of which Australia is a signatory to. These conventions mandate the protection of children and women from all forms of violence and discrimination, including harmful traditional practices like FGM.
How many women and girls are affected? According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to this practice in 30 countries across three continents.
Yet the prevalence of FGM extends beyond these regions due to global migration patterns. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers bring their cultural practices and traditions with them, including FGM, which makes it a pertinent issue in countries like Australia.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (while noting the challenge in identifying the prevalence of FGM in Australia, for reasons including the private nature of the practice and the potential underreporting within communities) estimates that Australia may be home to over 50,000 women and girls who have experienced FGM.
The practice is illegal under the criminal laws of all Australian states and territories. These laws not only prohibit the performance of FGM but also criminalise the removal of a child from the state or territory for the purpose of undergoing FGM elsewhere.
I also found it interesting that FGM is referenced in two of the recommendations in the House of Representatives Inquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, which acknowledges FGM as both a public health concern and a human rights issue requiring protection and, more generally, greater community awareness.
Against this background, I am of the view that recognising International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM in Australia is important not only for greater community awareness but also in preventing future instances of FGM. In doing so, it ultimately protects the human rights of women and girls both in Australia and around the world.