FGM Terminology:
A contextual use of terminology should be applied when working with a female patient. Here are common FGM terms and their implications (3):
- “Female Genital Mutilation”:
- “Mutilation” reinforces that the practice is a violation of girls’ and women’s rights
- Promotes national and international advocacy for FGM abandonment
- Establishes clear distinction from male circumcision
- Widely accepted term
- “Female Genital Cutting”:
- Often used among practicing communities and individuals
- Reflect importance of using non-judgmental terminology
- “Female Circumcision”:
- Should be avoided since it draws a parallel with male circumcision and thus creates confusion between these two different practices
- Cultural Competency:
- A survivor or affected communities should be asked which term she or they prefer
- Different communities and cultures will use different terms when discussing FGM
Empowering Terminology:
- “Victim” vs. “Survivor”
- Mainstream the use of the term survivor instead of victim to empower the patient
- A woman or girl should be asked which term she prefers to use.
- “FGM-affected communities” vs. “FGM-practicing communities”
- FGM-affected communities conveys a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of FGM on communities than the more neutral FGM- practicing communities