Through my work in mental health a couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend CPD with mental health practitioners, doctors, consultants and nurses examining the attitudes of BME communities to mental health, the concept of jinn and black magic and its impact on intervention and treatment.
Last night for CPD I attended this; Sharing Knowledge on FGM. (Female Genital Mutilation)
After seeing the play by the brilliant Yusra Warsama called Rites, which importantly highlighted that FGM or female cutting is not as straightforward as the media and other officials have led us to believe. There are so many influences and ideas as to what the reasons are for people who carry out such a practice, and quiet rightly focussed on how there must be more dialogue, and more understanding.
Yesterday, I was therefore a little apprehensive, feeling that it would be very academic, drawing upon new laws, and focussed more on prosecution. Though I feel there is so much more dialogue which needs to be had, and more training for professionals in understanding cultural diversity, it was great to see this group of academics at least, not only focussing on prevention but also education (not just the people but the professionals) and more importantly examined the cultural context in which this act of female genital cutting takes place.
Still I have alot to learn. There is so much work that stills need to be done. There is a huge need for practitioners to support women emotionally and psychologically, who have experienced this ordeal which will be culturally sensitive.
The work continues.
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