Survivor Shares Journey After Female Genital Mutilation

Sara Kahsai discovered she was a survivor of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) after moving to Birmingham, England, in 2022. The realization brought to light the pain she had endured as a child and created difficulties in her physical relationship with her husband, who she described as kind and patient.

When Kahsai questioned her mother, who still lives in Africa, about the procedure, her mother explained it was a cultural practice done to all children. "When I spoke to my mum she was really upset and she apologised to me," Kahsai recalled.

FGM involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is practiced in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It is illegal in the UK and treated as child abuse, with penalties also applying to taking a girl abroad for the procedure. Reasons for its practice include social acceptance, religion, and misconceptions about hygiene or preserving virginity. The World Health Organization estimates that three million girls undergo some form of the procedure annually in Africa alone.

Kahsai sought medical help after becoming pregnant and was referred to the specialist FGM Clinic at Birmingham Women's Hospital. Midwife Renata Hanif, who manages approximately 200 cases per year, explained that certain types of FGM can complicate vaginal delivery. The clinic offers deinfibulation, a procedure that can be performed during pregnancy to separate fused tissue and facilitate safer births.

Victim-survivors of FGM can experience a range of health issues, including difficulties with urination and menstruation, increased susceptibility to infections and sepsis, chronic pain, and psychological trauma such as anxiety and depression. Hanif noted that many women find it challenging to discuss their experiences but emphasized the clinic's role in helping them understand the impact of FGM and regain control over their bodies. Counselling and information on partner support are also provided.

The National FGM Centre, established by the children's charity Barnardo's in 2015, works to prevent FGM, raise awareness, and support those affected. The center advocates for mandatory FGM education in all primary schools, in addition to its current inclusion in secondary school relationships and sex education. Roma Ullah from the center stated that prevention is a crucial aspect of tackling FGM, as prosecutions occur after the harm has already been done.

In April, the government convened its first FGM Summit in a decade to address protective measures for women and girls, including new guidelines to identify those at risk of being taken abroad for the procedure. Kahsai urged other survivors to seek help, stating, "When they come to the UK it is different. There's help here - go to their GP, seek help, ask for help. If I knew I could seek help I would not have waited until I was expecting... because I did suffer a lot before."

Support is available through the BBC Action Line website for those affected by the issues discussed in this article.