What is the prevalence of FGM in Ireland?
Relevant population data from the 2006 Irish census was used to collate a preliminary estimate of 2,585 women calculated by country of origin and age group who are resident in Ireland and have undergone FGM.
Irish National Action Plan
Women and families from countries with high prevalence of FGM such as Northern Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria are continuing to migrate to Ireland. Many Irish service providers may be unfamiliar with the health and care needs, child protection issues, legal technicalities and community development approaches related to FGM.
Goals of Ireland’s National Action Plan to address FGM
- Goal 1: To prevent the practice of FGM in Ireland.
- Goal 2: To provide high quality, appropriate health care and support for women and girls who have undergone FGM.
- Goal 3: To contribute to the worldwide campaign to end FGM.
Five Strategies for Action
- Legal: Enact legislation to specifically prohibit FGM in Ireland, including the principle of extraterritoriality as an extension of national legislative protection.
- Irish Asylum Process: Enhance the capacity of the asylum process to accommodate gender related claims.
- Health: Develop professional supports for those involved with providing care and support for women and girls who have undergone FGM.
- Community: Support dialogues relating to FGM within migrant communities.
- Development Aid: Raise the issue of FGM in the international fora.