OReighty-eight thousand five hundred. This is the most recent estimate of women who have undergone female genital mutilation in Italy. A huge number, which cannot leave anyone indifferent and which marks an increase of 1% compared to 2019. The new research makes this known joint project of the University of Milan-Bicocca and the University of Bologna, presented today 23 October in Milan. An event with an eloquent title, “FGM. New estimates and new generations” promoted by the two universities in collaboration with Amref Health Africato look in the face a phenomenon that often remains in the shadows, even if it concerns us.
Female genital mutilation in Italy: the numbers are alarming
As is known, female genital mutilation is a practice which, not only do they harm women’s human rights, but they put their health at risk. Worldwide, according to the data cited in the report, at least 230 million women have undergone them, a shocking number. One fact, however, is more encouraging: in several countries there is a significant decrease among the new generations. “Young people undergo FGM less frequently than adults” explained Patrizia Farina and Livia Ortensi, two professors and researchers from the University of Milan-Bicocca and the University of Bologna, during the presentation.
88,500 women mutilated in Italy: a figure that speaks for itself
Looking at our country as of January 1, 2023, it is estimated that there are approximately 88,500 women over the age of 15 who have undergone FGMthe vast majority of whom were born abroad (98%). The prevalence is higher among women over 50 and decreases in younger age groups. Communities with the highest numbers are Egyptian, Nigerian and Ethiopianwhile the highest incidences are recorded among Somali (97.8%), Sudanese (90.8%) and Guinean (91.5%) women. In Italy, there are around 16,000 girls under the age of 15 potentially at risk.
Over 88,500 women in Italy have undergone female genital mutilation. Among young people the practice declines, but 16,000 girls remain at risk
«We need choral action»: the institutions in the field
The message is clear: the fight against FGM cannot be left to awareness raising alone, we need a common and concrete strategy. Because the battle against FGM must be managed jointly, in a coordinated strategy between institutions, associations and healthcare organizations. «These are phenomena that are still talked about too little, considering them distant from us. But that’s not the case – underlined the President of the Milan City Council Elena Buscemi – and it is a duty of the institutions to accompany the organizations and people who tackle the fight against FGM, because data show how much dialogue and work from below are fundamental for real social and cultural change».
The new generations: «Open doors, don’t judge»
There is a thread, despite everything, that unites research with the future: the new generations. Just them, girls and boys born or raised in Italyare the protagonists of the Y-ACT project, promoted by Amref Health Africa with the aim of preventing and combating female genital mutilation in Italy, through the direct involvement of young people with a migratory background. «This is the path: dialogue with the communities and with the operators involved. A challenge that must be strengthened, but which gives hope” says Paola Crestani, president of Amref Italia.
The story of Esraa Newir
Some of the thirty young people involved in the project were present in Milan, including Esraa Newir who brought an intense testimony: «It is important to strongly reiterate that FGM is not a problem that only concerns distant countries. Those who suffered them live here, in our communities, in our neighborhoods. Many of the women we met had never told us about their experiencenot even to the family. When they did it, it was very strong. Our role was not to judge, but to open doors, listen, welcome. Only when a woman finds the freedom to tell herself with her own voice, his story stops being pain and becomes power».
Good practices: the “health passport”
The meeting was also attended by SaMiFo Centre, Health for Forced Migrantsa regional health facility dedicated to the assistance and care of asylum seekers and holders of international protection. Among the good practices cited, there is the “health passport”a document translated into multiple languages, designed to reach young people and migrant communities, with clear information on risks of female genital mutilation and on the prevention tools available. An educational and healthcare orientation tool that helps operators, families and children to understand health protection services and practices available in the area.
Education, listening, change
Finally, from the research it emerges that the main protective factors against FGM are the level of education, the country of birthnot having undergone the practice and being second generation. A fact that says a lot: education and inclusion are the strongest tools against violence and blind tradition. The Milanese event, beyond the presentation of the research, it was a moment of listening and recognition, of intertwined voices: those of research, institutions, associations and, above all, women and girls who choose to tell their stories. Because, as Esraa Newir said: «Only when a woman finds the freedom to tell her story, her story stops being pain and becomes power».