Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack FGM Lessn Plan First published in Great Britain by FORWARD Suite 2.1 Chandelier Building, 8 Scrubs Lane, Lndn NW10 6RB, UK Cpyright FORWARD 2014 All rights reserved. N part f this publicatin may be reprduced, stred in a retrieval system, distributed, r transmitted in any frm r by any means, including phtcpying, recrding, r ther electrnic r mechanical methds withut the prir permissin f the Publishers, except in the case f brief qutatins included in reviews r prtins used in schl r ther educatinal classes. A FORWARD publicatin www.frwarduk.rg.uk This FGM Lessn is taken frm the FGM Schls Resurce Pack; a new and cmprehensive resurce pack develped t supprt schls t hlistically engage n FGM. We wuld like t thank ur generus funders wh enabled us t develp bth the FGM Lessn Plan as well as the FGM Schls Resurce Pack: Esmée Fairbairn Fundatin Trust fr Lndn Rsa Fund fr Girls Jhn Lynʼs Charity Lndn Cuncils Eurpean Cmmissin Daphne III Funding Maria Marina Fundatin. A special mentin t all the peple wh dedicated their time and effrt t develping this FGM Lessn Plan and its accmpanying FGM Schls Resurce Pack; this wuld nt have been pssible withut yu. The lessn plan was written and develped by FORWARD s Yuth Prgramme Saria Khalifa and Dina Baky. Fr mre infrmatin r t rder a cpy - please cntact: yuth@frwarduk.rg.uk 0208 960 4000 2
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Table f Cntents Intrductin... 4 Imprtance f Schls... 4 Purpse f FGM Lessn Plan... 4 The FGM Lessn Plan Cntents... 5 FGM Infrmatin fr Teachers... 6 Guidelines and Preparatin... 7 Creating a Safe and Open Envirnment... 7 What t d in the event f a disclsure... 8 FGM Sessin Outline... 9 Learning Outcmes:... 9 Sessin Outline:... 9 Additinal Activities:... 10 Teachers Facilitatin Ntes and Detailed Explanatin f Activities... 11 Materials fr FGM Sessin... 17 Resurce A: Female External Genitalia unlabelled... 17 Resurce B: Female External Genitalia labelled... 18 Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins... 19 Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers... 20 Resurce E: Types f FGM Cards (ptinal)... 21 Resurce F: Character Statements Cards... 23 Resurce G: Health Cmplicatins Cards... 23 Resurce H: Health Cmplicatins Explained... 28 Resurce I: Saynab s Stry - Scenari... 30 Resurce J: Supprt Spaces Cards... 31 Resurce K: Supprt Services Explained... 32 Evaluatin fr FGM Sessin... 34 3
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Intrductin Imprtance f Schls There are 24,000 girls under the age f 15 wh are at f risk f the mst severe frm f Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) in the UK. FGM is a practice that can drastically affect a girl s health and well-being. Therefre FGM is, nt nly a grwing cncern in the UK, but is als illegal and classed as a frm f child abuse. As such is it essential that girls are nt nly prtected frm the practice but als that girls wh have undergne the practice are supprted. Schls play a vital rle in this. Pupils wh fear they may be at risk f FGM ften cme t the attentin f r seek supprt frm a teacher r ther educatinal prfessinals (befre they seek help frm the plice r scial services). Therefre schls and educatinal prfessinals are ideally situated t nt nly raise awareness f the practice but als t safeguard and supprt girls. In additin, as FGM is predminantly happening t minrs (under the age f 16), schls and clleges are ideally placed t identify girls wh are bth at risk r have undergne the practice. Althugh FGM is surrunded by much cultural sensitivity it is essential that the tab is brken and that spaces are created that allw fr safe and pen discussins. It is imprtant that all yung peple increase their awareness abut this human rights issue. Additinally it is essential that girls and yung peple (particularly thse frm cmmunities where FGM ccurs) are able t discuss the issue, knw hw t access supprt and learn hw they can keep themselves and their peers safe. Educatinal establishments shuld aim t create an pen envirnment where pupils feel cmfrtable t discuss the prblems that they are facing an envirnment where FGM can be discussed penly and supprt and cunselling are prvided rutinely. Pupils need t knw that they will be listened t and their cncerns are taken seriusly Multi-Agency Guidelines n Female Genital Mutilatin Purpse f FGM Lessn Plan This FGM Lessn Plan has been develped t raise awareness f the practice f Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) within a schl setting. The FGM lessn has been designed t help infrm and facilitate the explratin f attitudes arund FGM. The lessn has been develped in an easily adaptable frmat and can be used fr a variety f years within secndary schls; hwever we suggest it is taught in Year 8 when pupils/pupils may already have a basic knwledge f the external female genitalia. It is imprtant fr yung men as well as yung wmen t take part in the lessns; hwever this must be dne sensitively. A space fr girls and yung wmen t discuss the issue further shuld be created and clearly signpsted. We als strngly recmmend that this is taught t the whle class and nt just t pupils that the schl r teacher identifies as a target grup r cming frm an FGM affected cmmunity. This reduces the risk f stigmatizatin f specific cmmunities. The lessn is als adaptable t be used in varius frmats hwever it is recmmended that it is incrprated within PSHE lessns. The Multi-Agency Guidelines n Female Genital Mutilatin highlight areas where FGM lessns and infrmatin can be intrduced int the curriculum including: Persnal, Scial and Health Educatin (PSHE) in England and Persnal and Scial Educatin (PSE) in Wales particularly in Sex and the Law fr Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and ensuring 4
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack naming f bdy parts in Key Stage 1 which can be the first stage in ensuring that girls are aware f their bdies and rights Citizenship Religius Knwledge Drama Histry Scilgy The FGM Lessn Plan Cntents 1. FGM Infrmatin fr Teachers: basic infrmatin 2. Guidelines and Preparatin: including what t d in the event f a disclsure 3. FGM Lessn Outline 4. Facilitatin Ntes and Detailed Explanatin f Activities 5. Materials fr FGM Lessn 6. Evaluatin f FGM Lessn 5
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack FGM Infrmatin fr Teachers What is Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM)? FGM is a practice that invlves partial r ttal remval r injury f the girl r a wman s external genitals FGM is smetimes called Female Genital Cutting (FGC) r female circumcisins r excisin. Hwever many cmmunities als use lcal terms t refer t the practice e.g. Tahr Sunna Gudiniin Halalays Bnd There are different types f FGM, based n the extent f the cut made. This includes Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 r Type 4. The type practiced differs frm cmmunity t cmmunity and can depend n a cmmunity s traditin and reasn fr the practice. Health Cmplicatins f FGM Pssible health cmplicatins f FGM include: Lss f Bld Pain r shck Difficulties in passing urine Difficulties with menstruatin Increased risk f recurrent urinary tract infectins Cmplicatins in pregnancy r childbirth Psychlgical difficulties It is imprtant t nte that nt all girls wh have undergne FGM experience health prblems and sme may nt be aware f these prblems r may nt relate them t FGM. Wh is at risk? FGM can take place when a girl is still a baby, during childhd, adlescence f at the time f marriage. FGM is practiced in at least 28 cuntries in Africa, parts f the Middle East and Suth East Asia. It is estimated that 24,000 girls in the UK are at risk f the mst severe frm f FGM. Why is FGM practiced? Many reasns have been given fr the practice f FGM, including: Prtecting traditin and religin Prmting cultural identity Imprve hygiene and cleanliness Increasing fertility Imprving a girls marriage Rite f Passage int wmanhd prspects There is ften mre than ne reasn given by cmmunities fr FGM. The majrity f these reasns are based n myths and misinfrmatin. As FGM is a scial nrm and cmmunities believe there are perceived benefits, there is a lt f pressure n individuals t cntinue the practice FGM. FGM and the Law FGM is illegal in the UK and is cnsidered a frm f child abuse. It is illegal t help, supprt r arrange fr FGM t be perfrmed n a girl in the UK. It is als illegal t take a girl utside f the UK t have FGM carried ut. Fr mre infrmatin: FGM Fact-sheet: fund at the end f lessn plan; this is a useful way t share infrmatin with ther staff at yur schl. Useful Resurces Sectin: details where yu can find mre specific infrmatin. 6
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Guidelines and Preparatin Creating a Safe and Open Envirnment As FGM is a sensitive and emtive subject it is essential that a safe and enabling envirnment is created. This will ensure that pupils are able t learn, explre and discuss sensitive issues and learn where t access further help and supprt. Schls shuld have a whle schls apprach t dealing with FGM. This apprach shuld include: A cmprehensive safeguarding prcedure that includes FGM Training (as part f safeguarding r child prtectin) fr staff t identify signs that a girl may be at risk f r have already undergne FGM Ensuring that the designated member f staff with respnsibility fr safeguarding children is well versed in the issues arund FGM Identified rganisatins r establishments t prvide supprt (physical and emtinal) fr girls wh may have undergne the practice. Circulatin and displaying f materials abut FGM, including supprt services that girls can access Befre teaching abut FGM, it is essential that ther staff; particularly frm tutrs, heads f year, pastral care staff, educatin welfare fficer, schl cunsellr, schl nurse are aware that FGM will be discussed with pupils. It is als imprtant t have supprt frm senir staff. This will help t ensure that the schl is prepared t respnd t any cncerns that arise, including child prtectin cncerns. Teachers shuld be aware that sme f the pupils may be directly r indirectly affected by the cntent f the FGM lessn. Teachers shuld always be mindful that there may be girls and yung wmen wh have undergne FGM in their class. As such the tpic shuld be dealt with sensitively and n assumptins shuld be made. It is als essential that signpsting fr supprt services is included in all FGM lessns and discussins. When teaching sensitive tpics there are tw factrs t cnsider: 1. Distancing: using methds (e.g. DVDs, characters, scenaris) t illustrate the issues being explred, withut expecting yung peple t talk abut their persnal issues penly in the classrm. Techniques t teach sensitive issues safely include: Questin Bx: allws pupil t ask questins annymusly. There are a lt f difficult questins arund FGM fr sme examples and answers f difficult questins please refer t FGM Frequently Asked Questins Language: agree language yu will use t describe issues as they cme up in lessns. Challenge prejudice and discriminatin as well as mdelling alternatives. As FGM is a sensitive subject avid wrds that indicate judgement; e.g. nrmal when referring t genitalia instead use natural ; stating that FGM is wrng instead use harmful r illegal. Images: challenge steretypes by ensuring that images used reflect the diversity f the UK and avid reinfrcing steretypes. Avid framing FGM as an East African, Muslim r Smali issue. The range f cmmunities frm different cuntries, culture and religins shuld be explained. When specifying cuntries r cmmunities during the lessn it is imprtant t reflect and questin if this wuld lead t steretyping. It is als beneficial t frame FGM as a human rights vilatin, a frm f vilence against wmen and 7
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack girls and a vilatin f bdily integrity these are universal cncepts and framing it this way avids thering FGM as nly a cultural practice. Signpsting: signpst yung peple t where they can get help and supprt in the schl, cmmunity and wider. It is essential that teachers have an awareness f lcal supprt services (that are accessible t yung peple) n FGM which can address the yung peple s varius needs. Fr sme supprt rganisatins and services please refer t FGM Infrmatin, Services and Supprt Guide. Teaching and Learning Activities: use active learning techniques t enable discussin t take place in a structured way. Techniques include: scenari cards, questins and discussins, vide clips, rle play, cnsequences, cntinuum, wrd strms. 2. Learning Agreement r Grund Rules: need t be used t cntrl respectful discussin and challenge prejudices. Examples f things t include: Have respect fr wh peple are and what they say Everyne has the right t their wn pinin yu may nt agree but yu shuld respect it Listen t each ther Dn t ask persnal questins n ne has t disclse persnal infrmatin Dn t disclse smene else s persnal infrmatin t the grup withut permissin. If yu want t ask abut r share a persnal stry r experience d s in third persn smene I knw, a friend, smething I heard abut Cnfidentiality: what is said in the rm stays in the rm and is nt fr discussin utside f the lessn. Hwever it is imprtant t explain that cnfidentiality will be brken if smene disclses smething that culd be harmful t them r anther yung persn. That infrmatin wuld have t be passed n in rder t ensure they are safe. What t d in the event f a disclsure If yu have cncerns that a girl is at risk f FGM (either in the UK r abrad) r if a girl has made a disclsure cncerning herself, a family member r a friend yu must reprt this immediately. FGM is against the law, is harmful t girls and is a frm f child abuse and must be dealt with like any ther frm f child abuse. If yu are wrried abut smene wh is at risk f FGM r has had FGM, yu must share this infrmatin with scial care r the plice. It is their respnsibility t investigate and safeguard and prtect any girls r wmen invlved. Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilatin Fr guidelines n hw teachers, educatinal prfessinals and schls shuld respnd t disclsures please see: Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines: Female Genital Mutilatin 9.2. What t d when yu are cncerned that a pupil may be at risk f, r has already undergne FGM. This is included in the Resurce Package. Lndn Safeguarding Children Bard: Safeguarding Children at Risk f Abuse thrugh Female Genital Mutilatin Anyne wh is cncerned that a girl s welfare is at risk because f FGM can cntact: Lcal Authrity s Scial Services FORWARD: 0208 960 4000; supprt@frwarduk.rg.uk NSPCC FGM Helpline: 0800 028 3550 (24-hurs); fgmhelp@nspcc.rg.uk 8
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Learning Outcmes: 1. Pupils understand what FGM is FGM Sessin Outline 2. Pupils understand that FGM is harmful 3. Pupils knw that FGM is illegal in the UK and abrad 4. Pupils knw where and hw yung peple can get help and supprt arund FGM Sessin Outline: Timeframe: 90 minutes Activity Timing Resurces and Materials 1. Intrductin Grund Rules 5 min 2. Female External Genitalia 10 min Resurce A: Female External Genitalia unlabelled Resurce B: Female External Genitalia labelled 3. What is FGM 15 min Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers True/False Cards (ptinal) 4. Think Again 15 min Think Again DVD Resurce E: Types f FGM Cards (ptinal) 5. Why des FGM happen 15 min Resurce F: Character Statements Cards 6. FGM is harmful 10 min Resurce G: Health Cmplicatins Cards 7. FGM in the UK 5 min Resurce H: Health Cmplicatins - Explained 8. Where can girls get help 10 min Resurce H: Saynab s Stry - Scenari Resurce I: Supprt Spaces Cards Resurce J: Supprt Services Explained 9. Clsing 5 min FGM Resurces ISS Guide, FGM FAQs FGM Supprt Card Evaluatin Frms (ptinal) The sessin may be divided int tw lessns; and it is suggested that activities 1 4 are cmpleted in Lessn 1; with activities 5 8 in Lessn 2 used as a way t reinfrce infrmatin gained in Lessn 1. If delivered as tw lessns is it imprtant that grund rules are discussed in bth lessns 9
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack The sessin utline is adaptable t timings f lessns and s activities can be cmpleted in lnger r shrter times depending n the amunt f time available. The ntes sectins explain hw this can be dne. Samples f the abve listed resurces are included in the FGM Schls Resurce Pack. Fr additinal resurces please cmplete the rder frm fund in the FGM Schls Resurce Pack. Additinal Activities: Evaluatin frm FORWARD s Schls Sessins indicate that pupils enjyed being able t take actin n FGM. These additinal activities may be suitable fr lder age grups (Year 11 r 6 th frm) r pupils wanting t take further actin. Activity Debate: Ask the pupils t debate an issue arund FGM. This can be a way t cnslidate infrmatin r alternatively as a way fr them t share infrmatin with ther pupils, their peers, r their cmmunity. Resurces FGM Frequently Asked Questins It is imprtant that the pupils have a gd understanding f FGM befre starting this activity. Ideas fr debate tpics include: Medicalizatin f FGM FGM and cultural relativism Male circumcisin and FGM FGM and cnsent Female Genital Csmetic Surgery and FGM The FGM Frequently Asked Questins bklet can serve as a guide t respnding t these issues. What can yung peple d? Pupils may feel impassined by the subject f FGM and may want t take actin in their schl r lcal cmmunity t address the issue f FGM. Teachers can discuss and supprt yung peple t rganise lcal actin. 16 Ways t Help End FGM The Making f Think Again Examples f things that yung peple can d: Film screenings Fundraising activities Pster cmpetitin Inviting a speaker t cme in and speak Jining the campaign thrugh scial media The 16 Ways t Help End FGM bklet has ideas fr yung peple wh want t get invlved in the campaign ranging frm small actins (tweet abut it) t large scale prjects (make a vide abut FGM). The shrt film The making f: Think Again may als serve as a surce f inspiratin fr yung peple wanting t take actin. 10
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Teachers Facilitatin Ntes and Detailed Explanatin f Activities Activity 1: Intrductin and Grund Rules Timing: 5 min Resurces: nne Tell the class that the lessn is abut a sensitive subject Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM). Explain that issue will be discussed sensitively. Explain that different peple may knw FGM by different names including female circumcisin, cutting, sunna r ther lcal terms e.g. tahr, gudinni r bnd. Infrm the pupils that there might be peple in the class wh are affected by the lessn either directly r indirectly; they might have persnal experience f FGM, knw smene wh has experiences f FGM r are wrried abut smene else. Let the pupils knw that the schl can prvide smene t speak t r supprt them and that everyne will receive mre infrmatin including a supprt resurce. Explain t the class why it is imprtant fr them t knw abut FGM as it is a tab issue which means that girls d nt knw where t get help. It is imprtant fr yung peple t knw s that they can get help fr themselves f friends and als t keep their friends safe. As this is a sensitive subject it is imprtant that the class understand and stick t the learning agreements r grund rules. Discuss and agree n the learning agreement r grund rules r alternatively if there is already a learning agreement r grund rules that the pupils are aware f they shuld be recapped. The learning agreement f grund rules shuld include, but nt limited t: Respecting and listening t what thers are saying N persnal questins D nt name names D nt frce smene t say anything they dn t want t Cnfidentiality Als refer t Page 8 fr mre grund rules Activity 2: Female External Genitalia Timing: 10 min Resurces: Resurce A: Female External Genitalia Sheet unlabelled (ne fr each pupil) Resurce B: Female External Genitalia Sheet labelled (fr reference) This activity is t ensure that pupils are aware f the different parts and functins f the external female genitalia. 11
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Explain that as the issue is abut female external genitalia is it imprtant that everyne knws what the different parts are and what their purpses are. This is als a gd way t make sure the class is aware f crrect terminlgy and it cmfrtable using it. Hand ut Resurce A: Female External Genitalia unlabelled t each pupil. Ask the pupils t label the different part f the female external genitalia. Ask the class t feedback n their wrk. Answers shuld be checked with reference t Resurce B: Female External Genitalia labelled. Discuss and explain the functins f all the parts f the external female genitalia. Activity 3: What is Female Genital Mutilatin Timing: 15 min Resurces: Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers Resurce E: Types f FGM Cards (ptinal) True/False Cards (ptinal) Explain that FGM is a practice that invlves altering, changing, cutting r remving any part f the female external genitalia. Ensure that yu clearly state that the practice is dne t natural and health genitalia and there is n medical reasn fr the practice. Divide the class int grups and hand each grup an FGM statement frm Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins. All the statements shuld be handed ut and distributed evenly amng the grups. Ask the pupils t wrk in grups t read the statements and decide if the statement is true r false. Give each grup 2 3 minutes t cmplete (time can be adjusted depending n hw many statements each grup gets). State that the grups will be explaining t the class their answer. Ask each grup t read ut the statement they were given, tell the class if they thught it was true r false and explain t the class why they thught it was True r False. Answers shuld be checked with reference t Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers T run the activity in a shrter time: Read ut each f the statement in Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins. After each statement ask the pupils t raise a False /Red card if they think the answer is false and a True /Green card f they think the answer is true. Ask fr vlunteers t explain why they chse true r false. Once pupils have answered and explained; the crrect answer shuld be given with reference t Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers 12
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Statement 8 regarding the types f FGM is a gd entry pint int further discussin f the types f FGM. This shuld nly be dne if it is apprpriate. T facilitate this explanatin find belw the different types f FGM and please refer t Resurce E: Types f FGM Cards. 1. FGM Type 1: is where the clitris r the clitral hd is cut r remved 2. FGM Type 2: is when the clitris and inner lips (labia minra) are cut r remved 3. FGM Type 3: is when the clitris, inner lips (labia minra) and uter lips (labia majra) are cut and sewn r sealed tgether, leaving nly a very small pening. 4. FGM Type 4: is all ther harmful practices which culd include pricking, piercing, cutting, scraping and burning female genitalia. Activity 4: Think Again Timing: 15 min Resurces: Think Again DVD Explain that the class is ging t watch a shrt film made by yung peple in the UK. The film is abut a yung girl in this cuntry wh knws that her family want t take her back t her cuntry f rigin t be circumcised (underg FGM). Reassure the pupils that there is nthing graphic in the film and it will nt shw girls being cut. A cpy f Think Again is included in this Resurce Package. The DVD als includes the Making f: Think Again and a vide explaining the Types f FGM. Additinal cpies f the Think Again DVD can be rdered using the rder frm fund in the FGM Schls Resurce Pack. Think Again can als be viewed here : http://www.yutube.cm/watch?v=kzbnttr7te Activity 5: Why des FGM Happen Timing: 15 min Resurces: Resurce F: Character Statement Cards Explain that this activity is abut sme f the reasns why peple may r may nt want t practice FGM. Explain that sme peple refer t FGM as female circumcisin; which is what they might see n the character cards. It is imprtant t clearly state that FGM r female circumcisin is harmful and illegal in the UK. Divide the class int grups and hand each grup the character cards frm Resurce F: 13
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Character Cards. Each grup shuld get a set f all f the character cards Ask the pupils t wrk in grups t read the character cards and answer sme questins. Give each grup 2 3 minutes t cmplete. State that the grups will be explaining t the class their answer. The questins that the grups have t answer are: Find three characters that give reasns fr why FGM happens. (It shuld be three different reasns) Find the characters that give reasns against the practice f FGM. After the activity: Explain the reasns fr why FGM is practiced. Reasns fr the practice include: Prtecting traditin and religin Imprve hygiene and cleanliness Imprving a girls marriage prspects Prmting cultural identity Increasing fertility Rite f Passage int wmanhd Explain that there is ften mre than ne reasn given by cmmunities fr FGM. The majrity f these reasns are based n myths and misinfrmatin. It is imprtant t de-bunk the myths arund FGM; particularly the idea that FGM is a religius bligatin. Explain that there is n evidence t suggest that Islam, Christianity, Judaism r any ther religin supprts FGM. Other myths arund FGM and their respnses can be fund in FGM Frequently Asked Questins The reasns against the practice shuld be clearly identified and reinfrced. The reasns against the practice include: FGM is harmful FGM is illegal in the UK and many ther cuntries FGM is a vilatin f a lt f children s rights FGM is nt a requirement f any religin Activity 6: FGM is Harmful Timing: 10 min Resurces: Resurce G: Health Cmplicatins Resurce H: Health Cmplicatins Explained Explain that this activity is t talk abut sme f the health cmplicatins. Tell the pupils that they will be referring back t the diagrams and functins f the external female genitalia and will use the infrmatin they received t cmplete an activity n what health prblems might FGM cause? 14
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Divide the class int grups and hand each grup the health cmplicatins frm Resurce G: Health Cmplicatins. Each grup shuld get a set f all f the health cmplicatins cards. Ask the pupils t wrk in grups t read the health cmplicatins and answer sme questins. Give each grup 2 3 minutes t cmplete. State that the grups will be explaining t the class their answers. The questins that the grups have t answer are: Health cmplicatins caused by FGM Health cmplicatins NOT caused by FGM Ask the grups t feed back. As yu g thrugh each cmplicatin caused by FGM, explain briefly why this cmplicatin wuld ccur; this shuld be dne using Resurce H: Health Cmplicatins - Explained. If there is time (and it is apprpriate) yu can ask the pupils if there was any health cmplicatin that they fund surprising. After the Activity: Explain that sme f the health prblems can last fr a lng time and sme girls and wmen can be living with the effects f FGM fr their whle life. It is imprtant t explain that nt all girls and wmen wh have undergne FGM experience health prblems, girls may nt be aware f the prblems r many nt link their prblems t FGM, especially if the prblems ccur several years after the prcedure. It is als essential t state that there are places that girls can get supprt if they have any prblems. It is imprtant that girls be encuraged t tell a nurse f a GP if they have any prblems, infectins r pain s that they can get the right help and supprt. Explain that supprt can include deinfibulatin which is a medical prcedure that pens a girl r a wman wh has been sewn up. This culd help them with sme f their prblems. The language used and the amunt f details given t explain the health cmplicatins shuld be mdified depending n the year grup and the classes previus knwledge and understating f the bdy and bilgy. Activity 7: FGM in the UK Timing: 5 min Resurces: nne Explain that FGM is happening in the UK t girls living in the UK. Girls may be taken t anther cuntry t have the practice dne t them and then brught back t the UK. State that in 2007 it was estimated that ver 24,000 girls under the age f 15 culd be at high risk f FGM in the UK. If lcal statistics are knwn these shuld als be stated here. Explain that there are als girls and wmen wh have undergne FGM, and may be having health prblems, that are living in the UK. Explain that it is imprtant that we help and prtect 15
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack these girls and wmen. Explain that FGM is illegal in the UK. N ne is allwed t arrange fr FGM t happen t anyne while they are in the UK. Als explain that it is als illegal fr smene t take a girl utside f the UK t have FGM. It is imprtant t tell pupils that there are places in the UK that they can get help and supprt if they are wrried abut FGM r have any prblems. Explain that the schl wuld be able t help and prtect them if FGM is smething they are wrried abut. Activity 8: Where can Girls get Help Timing: 10 min Resurces: Resurce I: Saynab s Stry Scenari Resurce J: Supprt Spaces Cards Resurce K: Supprt Services Explained Explain that this activity is t talk abut sme f the places that girls and yung peple can g fr supprt. Read ut t class Saynab s Stry frm Resurce I: Saynab s Stry Scenari. Ask the class t think abut what help Saynab might need as the Stry is being read ut. After reading the stry divide the class int grups and hand each grup a Supprt Space card frm Resurce J: Supprt Spaces Card. All the supprt space cards shuld be handed ut and distributed evenly amng the grups. Ask the pupils t wrk in grups t examine the supprt cards given t them. As a grup they shuld then pick tw supprt space cards. Explain that as a grup they will be answering tw questins. Give each grup 5 minutes t cmplete. State that the grups will be explaining t the class their answers. The questins that the grups have t answer are: Hw can the persn/place n yur supprt card help Saynab get supprt and prtect her? Hw can Saynab s friends encurage her t get help? As a prmpt it may be helpful t ask pupils: Are there things that might make it hard fr Saynab t get help? Ask the grups t feed back. As they g thrugh each supprt space, explain briefly hw this supprt place can help using Resurce K: Supprt Services Explained This prvides a gd pprtunity fr the distributin f the additinal supprt resurces that are included in the FGM Schls Resurce Pack e.g. Supprt Card 16
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Materials fr FGM Sessin Resurce A: Female External Genitalia unlabelled 17
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce B: Female External Genitalia labelled 18
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce C: FGM Statements Questins FGM nly happens t baby girls and they dn t remember it when they are lder FGM happens in Suth East Asia and parts f the Middle East When yu have FGM yu are usually given an injectin t make yu fall asleep FGM is practiced using unclean equipment FGM is alright because dctrs are practicing it There are 125 millin wmen and girls wrldwide wh have undergne FGM FGM is smething that happens in nly a few cuntries. There are fur types f FGM 19
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce D: FGM Statements Answers Statement 1. FGM nly happens t baby girls and they dn t remember it when they are lder 2. When yu have FGM yu are usually given an injectin t make yu fall asleep 3. FGM is practiced using unclean equipment 4. FGM is alright because dctrs are practicing it 5. FGM is smething that happens in nly a few cuntries. 6. FGM happens in Suth East Asia and parts f the Middle East 7. There are 125 millin wmen and girls wrldwide wh have undergne FGM 8. There are fur types f FGM Answer FALSE FGM is ften perfrmed n girls between the ages f 5 8 years ld. Hwever FGM can be perfrmed n babies, teenagers and smetimes even n adult wmen. The age differs frm cmmunity t cmmunity. FALSE FGM is usually carried ut when a girl is awake and withut any painkillers r anaesthetic (a medicine that numbs the area t reduce pain). TRUE In many affected cmmunities, FGM is ften perfrmed by lder wmen in the cmmunity wh are knwn as circumcisrs r excisrs. It is ften perfrmed using unclean r unsterilized equipment (like razr blades r knives). FALSE - FGM is usually practiced by lder wmen in the cmmunity wh may nt have medical training. In sme cmmunities and areas FGM may be perfrmed by medical prfessinals like dctrs. Hwever this des nt make the practice alright as FGM is harmful regardless f hw it is perfrmed. Als FGM is a human rights vilatin, regardless f hw it is dne, because n ne shuld have smene tuch r change their bdy withut permissin. FALSE FGM is practiced in mre than 28 cuntries in Africa, parts f the Middle East, Suth East Asia. FGM als happens in Eurpe, America and ther cuntries where peple frm FGM affected cmmunities live. FGM is als practiced in the UK n girls wh cme frm cuntries where FGM is practiced. TRUE - FGM is practiced in mre than 28 cuntries in Africa, parts f the Middle East, Suth East Asia. TRUE - It is estimated that 125 millin wmen and girls have undergne FGM wrldwide. TRUE There are fur different types f FGM, based n the extent f the cut made. The type practiced may depend n the cmmunity s traditin and reasns fr practicing FGM. 20
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce E: Types f FGM Cards 21
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack 22
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce F: Character Statements Cards Asha, 12 years ld: My mther didn t have me circumcised. That s because she was taught abut the cnsequences f FGM. Nw she knws that it is bad fr a girl s health. When I grw up, I wn t have my daughter g thrugh it either. Nija, 9 years ld: My sister and I were circumcised at the same time. My mther didn t want it t be dne, but my father and grandma did. When my mther was away fr a few days, my grandma had us circumcised. Amina, 12 years ld: I was circumcised because everyne said that I wuldn t be clean if I wasn t. My mther had a really difficult type f circumcisin and she had a really hard time giving birth t me. That is why I nly had a little bit remved. My auntie tld me that having just a little remved was Sunna, but ther peple say that it is nt, s I m nt really sure. 23
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Fauziya, 14 years ld: My sister was circumcised but then my family mved away t the Netherlands. I didn t have t be circumcised because girls here aren t allwed it is illegal. Hda, 20 years ld: I was circumcised when I was 7 and I didn t knw much abut it. Nw I am lder and I have my first byfriend. All my friends talk abut sex, and I dn t knw what it will be like fr me peple say that because f the circumcisin it will hurt r I wn t enjy it. I am really nervus abut it. Nawal, 16 years ld: I was circumcised and my lder sister was t. My yunger sister isn t ging t be circumcised. An Imam visited us recently and he tld us that the Kran desn t say that girls shuld be circumcised. That s why my mther desn t want t have my yunger sister circumcised. 24
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Hayat, 16 years ld: I wasn t circumcised because my mther said n. When I was yunger, I was s angry with her because all f the ther girls had it dne and they made fun f me and called me names. I really wanted t fit in. Nw that I am lder I am happy abut f my mm s decisin and I feel bad fr all the arguments I had with her. Samira, 13 years ld: I was circumcised because this is what happens when yu get lder it means that yu are a wman nw and can make decisins like an adult. Sara, 11 years ld: I was circumcised because my family thinks the Quran says yu shuld d it. My religin is very imprtant t me and I am happy t fllw what is required 25
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Janice, 14 years ld: I was circumcised because it is mre beautiful and feminine t have it this way. Als, my mther says that if yu dn t get circumcised, bad things might happen, like yu might nt be able t have children. Hib, 15 years ld: I was circumcised because if I wasn t I wuldn t be able t find a gd husband. Nbdy wuld want t marry a girl wh didn t have it dne. It is imprtant t me and my family that I marry well and have children, therwise it wuld be shameful. Als, what wuld my future lk like if I didn t get married? Najib, 10 years ld: All my 4 sisters and I were circumcised because it is what yu shuld d it is ur traditin and it is imprtant fr me t fllw my culture. 26
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce G: Health Cmplicatins Cards Severe Pain and Shck Brken Bnes Malaria TB Urine Retentin Cancer Tissue Damage Cysts Difficulties in Menstruatin Jaundice r yellwing f the skin Increased risk f Fistula Risk f heart disease r failure Emtinal Health Prblems Bleeding Backaches Infectin Tetanus Eczema Urinary Tract Infectins Infertility Hrmne Imbalance Increased risk t flus and clds Cmplicatins in pregnancy and child birth Liver Damage Sexual Dysfunctin Dementia 27
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce H: Health Cmplicatins Explained Cmplicatin Bleeding Severe pain and shck Infectins Urinary Tract Infectins Difficulties with menstruatin Cmplicatins in pregnancy and child birth Difficult r painful sex Emtinal health prblems Health Cmplicatins caused by FGM Explanatin Basic suitable fr Year 8, 9,10 Whenever yu cut any part f yur bdy it bleeds. The external genital area has a lt f bld vessels and s cutting t this area will lead t a lt f bleeding. In sme cases girls lse t much bld and this culd lead t them dying. The external genital have a lt f nerve endings and s if girls are cut (especially withut any medicatin t numb the area anaesthetic) it will cause a lt f pain. Girls can g int shck because they are in t much pain. If girls are cut with unclean (unsterilized) instruments they can get infectins e.g. tetanus frm rusty metal. Particularly when girls are sewn up (Type 3) this can make it very difficult fr the urine t leave the bdy (as the pening is very small). This culd lead t infectins e.g. urinary tract infectins. Particularly when girls are sewn up (Type 3) this can make it very difficult fr bld t leave the bdy (as the pening is very small). This may make perids very painful and they culd last fr a very lng time. FGM may cause difficulties in delivering because the external female genitals have been cut particularly when girls are sewn up (Type 3) because this makes the pening fr the baby t leave the bdy smaller. In sme cases a wman might need a caesarean sectin. FGM may cause difficulties with sexual intercurse because the external female genitals have been cut particularly when girls are sewn up (Type 3) and the pening is smaller. Sme girls and wmen als have a lt f pain in the genital area which wuld make it difficult r painful t have sexual intercurse. FGM is nt usually explained t girls and may be a painful and traumatic experience; this may cause emtinal r mental health prblems. These can include anxiety, lack f trust, nt wanting peple t tuch them, flashbacks frm when they were cut. 28
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Extensive suitable fr Year 11, Sixth Frm r Health and Scial Care Pupils Backaches Tissue Damage Brken bnes Tetanus Urine retentin Cysts Infertility Increased risk f fistula Girls can have lts f different types f pain as they grw lder; wmen and girls wh have undergne FGM frequently describe having backaches this may be due t chrnic pelvic infectins. Because FGM is nt perfrmed by a medical dctr the practice may cause damage t the tissue and rgans in the area. Because girls are awake they may be struggling r mving arund when FGM happens. This culd lead t them having brken bnes. If girls are cut with unclean (unsterilized) instruments they can get infectins. Tetanus is a bld infectin caused by rusty blades. When girls are cut this may cause damage t their urinary system (the rgans that help yu urinate). This may lead t difficulties with urinating urine retentin. When the cut skin desn t heal prperly it can cause cysts. This may be caused by damage t the area. In sme cases it can be caused by menstrual bld remaining in the uterus and cause tissue t be infected s the uterus has t be remved making a wman infertile. Fistula is a medical prblem where there is an abnrmal pening that happens in the bdy. Fistulas can happen when there is a difficult r lng labur (delivery f baby). This leads t tears r penings happening between different rgans (bladder cntains urine and uterus - hlds fetus). This culd lead t girls and wmen being unable t cntrl urine. Health Cmplicatins NOT caused by FGM Malaria Hrmne Imbalance TB Cancer Eczema Jaundice r yellwing f the skin Liver Damage Increased risk t flus and clds Risk f heart disease r failure 29
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce I: Saynab s Stry - Scenari Saynab is 11 years ld and in Year 9. She has a gd grup f friends and she likes spending time with them - mstly ging t the mvies, hanging ut after schl, and ging shpping n the weekends. Last week she was talking t her mther, wh tld Saynab that they will be visiting their cuntry this half term. Saynab is excited because she will get t g t the beach, and she will be able t see her grandmther wh she hasn't seen since she was 7. Her mther als tld her that she will be having a celebratin which will mean she will becme a wman. Her mther said that she will need t stay lnger than just half term because f the celebratin. That made Saynab a little bit wrried because she will have exams after half term and she knws she shuldn't be missing schl. Saynab spke t her grandmther n the phne, wh seemed very happy that she was cming, and was making all the preparatins fr the celebratin. 30
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce J: Supprt Spaces Cards TEACHER SCHOOL NURSE FGM ORGANISATION FRIENDS CHILD-LINE POLICE SOCIAL SERVICES 31
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Resurce K: Supprt Services Explained Supprt Place Teacher Schl Nurse Friends Child-line Scial Services Hw they culd help Teachers can help with any cncerns abut FGM. If there is cncern that a girl is at risk f FGM r has undergne FGM, a teacher needs t share this with the child prtectin fficer at schl wh will start a child prtectin referral. This means that the child prtectin fficer will need t tell scial services t make sure that girls are prtected and supprted. Teachers can als prvide mre infrmatin abut any questins that girls may have and als help girls get supprt that they need (mre infrmatin abut FGM, where t get medical attentin and where they can speak t smene abut FGM). Schl nurses can help with any cncerns abut FGM. If there is cncern that a girl is at risk f FGM r has undergne FGM, a schl nurse needs t share this with the child prtectin fficer at schl wh will start a child prtectin referral. This means that the child prtectin fficer will need t tell scial services t make sure that girls are prtected and supprted. The schl nurse can als prvide mre infrmatin abut any questins that girls may have and als help girls get supprt that they need (mre infrmatin abut FGM, where t get medical attentin and where they can speak t smene abut FGM). Friends can be a gd place f supprt; they can help girls wh are at risk f FGM r have undergne it by being smene t talk t and can encurage them t get help. It can be very scary t speak t an lder persn r prfessinal abut yur prblems and friends can g with yu t speak t a teacher r schl nurse. Child-line is a special helpline just fr yung peple. They can prvide girls with smene t talk t abut any issue that is a prblem fr them, nt just FGM. The NSPCC (a natinal charity that prtects children) has a specific number fr FGM. This means that yu will speak t a trained adult wh knws all abut FGM and will be able t tell yu hw t get help and supprt. This is als a gd number t call if yu are wrried abut smene else and want t help them but dn t want t give yur name r fr ther peple t find ut that yu called. The helpline is annymus meaning yu dn t have t give yur name. The NSPCC FGM Helpline wrks clsely with scial services and plice s if they are cncerned that FGM might happen, they have t tell the plice and scial services s that a girl can be prtected and supprted. Scial services will be able t help if smene is wrried abut FGM they will treat any cncern seriusly. When scial services are called abut cases f FGM, they usually meet (with a lt f ther prfessinals; teachers, plice, FGM rganisatins) t discuss the case and see what the best thing t d is. Scial services will usually wrk with the plice t investigate r find ut if FGM might happen r has happened. Scial services will make sure that the girl is prtected and supprted. This can mean that they give infrmatin abut FGM (and that it is harmful and illegal) t the whle family, get medical supprt if it is needed, and als find smene that the family can talk t. It is imprtant t knw that a girl will NOT autmatically be taken away frm her hme if there is a cncern abut FGM. Scial services will always d what is best t prtect children frm harm. 32
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Plice FGM rganisatin Plice will be able t help if smene is wrried abut FGM they will treat any cncern seriusly. Plice will usually cntact scial services if they believe there is a cncern abut FGM. They will then wrk very clsely with scial services t discuss the case and decide n the best thing t d. Plice will usually wrk with the scial services t investigate r find ut if FGM might happen r has happened. Plice will make sure that the girl is prtected and supprted. It is imprtant t knw that FGM is illegal in the UK and is classed as child abuse. This means that plice will be investigating t see if smene has brken the law. Plice receive training n FGM t make sure they handle these cases in a sensitive way. FGM rganisatins knw a lt abut FGM and have a lt f experience wrking with lts f different peple n FGM. These rganisatins can be a gd place t call if yu want mre infrmatin abut FGM r yu are nt sure what t d next. They can help girls t speak t an adult and make sure that girls are safe and supprted. FGM rganisatins can als help girls t g t a dctr r nurse that can help them; FGM rganisatins wrk clsely with a lt f clinics that fcus specially n FGM and knw hw t handle any f the health prblems caused by FGM. Sme FGM rganisatins can even g with a girl t see a dctr (if this is smething she wants). FGM rganisatins can als be a gd place if girls want t talk mre abut hw they are feeling abut FGM. A lt f FGM rganisatins have peple wh are trained t wrk with girls and yung peple. Like all ther prfessinals if there is a cncern that a girl might underg FGM, FGM rganisatins have t reprt this t scial services. Yung peple can always cntact FORWARD fr supprt 0208 960 4000 33
Had yu heard abut FGM befre this lessn? Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack Evaluatin fr FGM Lessn Yes N What is FGM?.. I learnt smething new: (please answer n a scale f 1 5) Nt at all Very much 1 2 3 4 5 What are sme f the mst imprtant things yu nw knw abut FGM?.. Things that girls and yung peple can d t get help n FGM are:.. D yu think it is imprtant fr yung peple t knw abut FGM? Why r why nt?.. What will yu d with the infrmatin yu learnt abut tday? Please give examples... Hw did the lessn make yu feel? I wuld like t learn mre abut?.... 34
Female Genital Mutilatin (FGM) Schls Resurce Pack 35