Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a term now generally accepted for the traditional practices that involves injury or removal of part or all of the external genitalia of girls and women. It does not include genital surgery performed for medically prescribed reasons. Prior to the adoption of “female genital mutilation”, the practices were referred to as female circumcision, a term still in common use and preferred by the majority of people in communities where it is practiced.

Traditions are the customs, beliefs and values of a community which govern and influence people’s behavior. Traditions constitute learned habits which are passed on from generation to generation. Traditions are often guided by taboos and they are not easy to change. People adhere to these patterns of behavior, believing that they are the right things to do.

This training is aimed at strengthening community-based preventive work to protect the rights of children (as enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child) with a particular view to reducing the risk to girls and young women in Africa of undergoing genital mutilation in all its forms.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the training the participants should be able to:

1. Understand the traditional beliefs of FGM and its consequences
2. Acquire skills facilitating reaching out to communities to combat FGM
3. To identify and to manage the physical, psychosocial, and sexual complications that is as of female genital mutilation.
4. Identify problems and manage complication associated with FGM this includes; getting guidance on counseling, opening up a type III FGM, and management of other complications associated with FGM.

DURATION

5 Days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Nurses, public health officers, community health extension workers, project officers working in communities that practices FGM

COURSE OUTLINE

MODULE 1: Introduction to Female Genital Mutilation

• Assessment of traditions supporting FGM
• FGM description and background
• FGM Complications
• FGM implications (Legal, professional, and ethical)
• Human rights and FGM

MODULE 2: Community Involvement in the Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation

• Beliefs, values and attitudes
• Traditional beliefs, values and attitudes towards FGM
• FGM prevention by collaboration between individuals, families and communities
• Government strategies in preventing FGM

MODULE 3: Management of Girls and Women with FGM Complications

• Assessment to identify FGM physical complications
• Management of clients with physical complications of FGM
• Counseling of FGM victims
• Identifying psychosocial and sexual problems
• Psychosocial and sexual problems management
• Demonstrating referral skills
• Family planning and FGM
• The procedure of opening up type III FGM

MODULE 4: Management of Women with FGM during Pregnancy, Labour, Delivery and the Postpartum Period

• Assessment and management of women with complications due to FGM during pregnancy
• Obstetric complications due to FGM
• Assessment and management of women with FGM during labour and delivery
• Management of women with FGM during the postpartum period

GENERAL NOTES

• This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.
• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.