Overview

Female genital mutilation (FGM) has garnered significant media, political and legal attention in the UK. Despite criminalising the practice in 1985, FGM continues undetected and often underground. This monograph provides a unique insight into survivor's attitudes towards FGM as well as the criminalisation of a culturally embedded practice. Some of the narratives might be deeply uncomfortable as women sympathise and even uphold the practice, whilst others viscerally describe the trauma and pain that they endured. Digging deeper into efforts to eliminate FGM, professionals at the coalface of the end FGM movement provide their views on whether the practice can ever be eradicated. This volume explores the key themes that emerged from the well-publicised criminal trials in the UK and the barriers that prevent the law from working effectively. One of the obstacles that are examined further is the legal double standard in criminalising FGM whilst permitting female genital cosmetic surgery, which incites hostility and anger amongst FGM-performing communities. Whilst ending FGM is imperative, this enlightening work reflects on the unintended consequences that stem from punitive efforts to criminalise a practice performed by often Black, migrant communities. Women describe their experiences of racism and Islamophobia in a context of police surveillance and hyperbolic media narratives. In an effort of encouraging the abandonment of FGM, this publication highlights the need for the law to be accompanied by education initiatives at a grass-root level.

Full Product Details

9780198864608

Table of Contents

Reviews

"""Female Genital Mutilation by Dr Charlotte Proudman makes an important contribution to our understanding of this controversial problem. Written with a keenly critical eye, a broad understanding of the legal and cultural issues, and sensitivity to the lived experience of the survivors, Proudman draws on her experience as an academic and a practicing barrister to provide a rich description of the issue and a forward-looking analysis of how to protect girls and women from being victimized."" - David B. Oppenheimer, Clinical Professor of Law, the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law ""This book draws on a rich and unique empirical study of proponents and opponents of the cultural practices underpinning female genital mutilation, as well as those shaping the relevant UK law and practice. Proudman demonstrates how gender, race, class, and age intersect in the control of female sexuality and forms of gender violence. Informed by feminist and critical race perspectives, she unpicks the complexities of eradicating cultural practice through criminalisation; and illustrates how family law could be used more effectively going forwards. The book is essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners who wish to gain well-evidenced insights into the ongoing challenge of tackling gender violence in law and culture."" - Jacqueline Scott, Professor (Emerita) of Empirical Sociology, University of Cambridge ""The cultural practice of FGM is a grievous, mutilating assault upon female sexuality and reduces the full humanity of a woman. Here the accomplished barrister, Charlotte Proudman, forensically exposes its roots and purpose and the need for law and social education to end it forever."" - Baroness Helena Kennedy QC ""What Charlotte Proudman doesn't know about the laws relating to FGM isn't worth knowing. This book demonstrates how the law has to work hand in hand with civil society if we are finally going to eliminate this abuse."" - Nazir Afzal OBE, Former Chief Prosecutor ""Charlotte Proudman applies her highly intelligent legal expertise, cultural sensitivity and feminist commitment to the taboo issue of the terrible suffering inflicted on women to destroy their sexuality. A 'must-read' book on the 'must end' practice of FGM."" - Harriet Harman, Member of Parliament ""Dr Proudman navigates myriad uncomfortable truths in this meticulous exploration of FGM, culture, and the law. Centred on the experiences of FGM survivors and victims, this comprehensive book wears its feminist heart proudly on its sleeve - a must-read for those working in this field."" - Dr Roxanne Khan, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Director of HARM (Honour Abuse Research Matrix) ""Dr Proudman's book gives an important and comprehensive account of the impact of FGM laws on women's lives in our country. For once we hear from women directly. Their firsthand experiences and complicated relationship with FGM cast a sharp analytical light on the laws that seek to deter the practice. An impressive work of feminist scholarship."" - Stella Creasy, Member of Parliament ""A brilliant thesis that listens to the voices of women from diverse FGM-performing communities, recognises the dangers of extrapolating or normalising the practice of FGM, and expertly records the creation of a novel legal remedy."" - Professor Felicity Gerry QC, Professor of Legal Practice, Deakin University and Honorary Professor at Salford University ""This must-read resource provides a rich tapestry of the complex, interwoven layers and motivations associated with tackling the practice of female genital mutilation in the UK. Charlotte Proudman proposes an intersectional analysis of the law, outlining the contradictions, perspectives from professionals and affected communities and recommends an alternative legal framework for effectively addressing existing legal and policy loopholes"". - Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE, Executive Director, FORWARD ""Dr Proudman's intersectional, feminist, human rights, and law approach to FGM (a term which she also explores) restores agency to women who both resist and accommodate FGM as well as providing a practical analysis of applicable legal framework. It is an essential contributor to the understanding of FGM and an essential read for all those who speak about FGM and practise in professions where it is encountered."" - Kirsty Brimelow QC, Leading Barrister ""About time!! And Dr Charlotte Proudman has thoughtfully unpicked the issues around this thorny subject and provided timely advice in this book with illustrations and case studies. A must-read that needs to be in the hands of every professional working on FGM issues."" - Janet Fyle MBE, Midwife and Policy Advisor, Royal College of Midwives ""Dr Charlotte Proudman's book is essential reading for anybody that wants to understand the horrific and brutal act of female genital mutilation. Her book explains without fear the issues of FGM and positive solutions the Law can bring. This is an Encyclopedia of knowledge around not only the law against FGM but also the issues that others have failed to explain so clearly. I feel confident this book will be a huge step in protecting the millions of girls from suffering FGM and how the law will be able to protect them."" - Aneeta Prem, Founder, Freedom Charity ""This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn the A-Z of FGM. The book sets out the current debates on FGM law, it is well researched and is centred on finding solutions to the contradictions that exist with the law. Most importantly, it gives a voice to women and it does this by taking a humble approach that respects their experiences."" - Leethen Bartholomew, Social Worker, Barnardos ""Admired for zero-tolerance toward perpetrators of domestic violence, Charlotte approaches the brutality of FGM in a diplomatic manner, convinced that law is necessary but insufficient for ending it. Hers is the first, extended history and critique of law's utility in the UK when social norms and jurisprudence collide. Although ablation of girls' genitalia, she feels, is wrong, she gives dissenting community voices a stage. A section on criminalising FGM is balanced by barriers to criminalising FGM. Factoring in racism, a double standard vis-à-vis female genital cosmetic surgery, and the possibly over-broad application of 'child abuse' law, Proudman also examines novel FGM protection orders against a backdrop of civil liberty and equality. I recommend the book to anyone concerned to find FGM happening today despite a proliferation of laws against it."" - Dr Tobe Levin von Gleichen, Associate, Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, Harvard University ""With this important book, Charlotte Proudman does something of fundamental importance, crucial to enabling meaningful progress in tackling the harmful practice of FGM. She identifies, listens to, and shares the voices of the key individuals directly involved in FGM; women who have undergone FGM, significantly both those who advocate for as well as against the practice, professionals whose role it is to enforce the law, and those working closely with FGM performing communities. It is only by understanding these complex, varying views that real progress can be made to finally bring FGM and the harms it causes to an end."" - Diana Nammi, Founder and Executive Director, IKWRO Women's Rights Organisation ""What is the impact of laws on ending FGM? Dr Charlotte Proudman answers this complicated question by applying an intersectional, feminist, and human rights framework. She allows the voices of girls and women to be heard which results in a unique and comprehensive analysis. Everyone interested in harmful practices should read this important book."" - Dr Annemarie Middelburg, Lecturer in Law, University of Amsterdam"

Female Genital Mutilation by Dr Charlotte Proudman makes an important contribution to our understanding of this controversial problem. Written with a keenly critical eye, a broad understanding of the legal and cultural issues, and sensitivity to the lived experience of the survivors, Proudman draws on her experience as an academic and a practicing barrister to provide a rich description of the issue and a forward-looking analysis of how to protect girls and women from being victimized. - David B. Oppenheimer, Clinical Professor of Law, the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law This book draws on a rich and unique empirical study of proponents and opponents of the cultural practices underpinning female genital mutilation, as well as those shaping the relevant UK law and practice. Proudman demonstrates how gender, race, class, and age intersect in the control of female sexuality and forms of gender violence. Informed by feminist and critical race perspectives, she unpicks the complexities of eradicating cultural practice through criminalisation; and illustrates how family law could be used more effectively going forwards. The book is essential reading for students, researchers, and practitioners who wish to gain well-evidenced insights into the ongoing challenge of tackling gender violence in law and culture. - Jacqueline Scott, Professor (Emerita) of Empirical Sociology, University of Cambridge The cultural practice of FGM is a grievous, mutilating assault upon female sexuality and reduces the full humanity of a woman. Here the accomplished barrister, Charlotte Proudman, forensically exposes its roots and purpose and the need for law and social education to end it forever. - Baroness Helena Kennedy QC What Charlotte Proudman doesn't know about the laws relating to FGM isn't worth knowing. This book demonstrates how the law has to work hand in hand with civil society if we are finally going to eliminate this abuse. - Nazir Afzal OBE, Former Chief Prosecutor Charlotte Proudman applies her highly intelligent legal expertise, cultural sensitivity and feminist commitment to the taboo issue of the terrible suffering inflicted on women to destroy their sexuality. A 'must-read' book on the 'must end' practice of FGM. - Harriet Harman, Member of Parliament Dr Proudman navigates myriad uncomfortable truths in this meticulous exploration of FGM, culture, and the law. Centred on the experiences of FGM survivors and victims, this comprehensive book wears its feminist heart proudly on its sleeve - a must-read for those working in this field. - Dr Roxanne Khan, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, Director of HARM (Honour Abuse Research Matrix) Dr Proudman's book gives an important and comprehensive account of the impact of FGM laws on women's lives in our country. For once we hear from women directly. Their firsthand experiences and complicated relationship with FGM cast a sharp analytical light on the laws that seek to deter the practice. An impressive work of feminist scholarship. - Stella Creasy, Member of Parliament A brilliant thesis that listens to the voices of women from diverse FGM-performing communities, recognises the dangers of extrapolating or normalising the practice of FGM, and expertly records the creation of a novel legal remedy. - Professor Felicity Gerry QC, Professor of Legal Practice, Deakin University and Honorary Professor at Salford University This must-read resource provides a rich tapestry of the complex, interwoven layers and motivations associated with tackling the practice of female genital mutilation in the UK. Charlotte Proudman proposes an intersectional analysis of the law, outlining the contradictions, perspectives from professionals and affected communities and recommends an alternative legal framework for effectively addressing existing legal and policy loopholes . - Naana Otoo-Oyortey MBE, Executive Director, FORWARD Dr Proudman's intersectional, feminist, human rights, and law approach to FGM (a term which she also explores) restores agency to women who both resist and accommodate FGM as well as providing a practical analysis of applicable legal framework. It is an essential contributor to the understanding of FGM and an essential read for all those who speak about FGM and practise in professions where it is encountered. - Kirsty Brimelow QC, Leading Barrister About time!! And Dr Charlotte Proudman has thoughtfully unpicked the issues around this thorny subject and provided timely advice in this book with illustrations and case studies. A must-read that needs to be in the hands of every professional working on FGM issues. - Janet Fyle MBE, Midwife and Policy Advisor, Royal College of Midwives Dr Charlotte Proudman's book is essential reading for anybody that wants to understand the horrific and brutal act of female genital mutilation. Her book explains without fear the issues of FGM and positive solutions the Law can bring. This is an Encyclopedia of knowledge around not only the law against FGM but also the issues that others have failed to explain so clearly. I feel confident this book will be a huge step in protecting the millions of girls from suffering FGM and how the law will be able to protect them. - Aneeta Prem, Founder, Freedom Charity This book is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn the A-Z of FGM. The book sets out the current debates on FGM law, it is well researched and is centred on finding solutions to the contradictions that exist with the law. Most importantly, it gives a voice to women and it does this by taking a humble approach that respects their experiences. - Leethen Bartholomew, Social Worker, Barnardos Admired for zero-tolerance toward perpetrators of domestic violence, Charlotte approaches the brutality of FGM in a diplomatic manner, convinced that law is necessary but insufficient for ending it. Hers is the first, extended history and critique of law's utility in the UK when social norms and jurisprudence collide. Although ablation of girls' genitalia, she feels, is wrong, she gives dissenting community voices a stage. A section on criminalising FGM is balanced by barriers to criminalising FGM. Factoring in racism, a double standard vis-a-vis female genital cosmetic surgery, and the possibly over-broad application of 'child abuse' law, Proudman also examines novel FGM protection orders against a backdrop of civil liberty and equality. I recommend the book to anyone concerned to find FGM happening today despite a proliferation of laws against it. - Dr Tobe Levin von Gleichen, Associate, Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, Harvard University With this important book, Charlotte Proudman does something of fundamental importance, crucial to enabling meaningful progress in tackling the harmful practice of FGM. She identifies, listens to, and shares the voices of the key individuals directly involved in FGM; women who have undergone FGM, significantly both those who advocate for as well as against the practice, professionals whose role it is to enforce the law, and those working closely with FGM performing communities. It is only by understanding these complex, varying views that real progress can be made to finally bring FGM and the harms it causes to an end. - Diana Nammi, Founder and Executive Director, IKWRO Women's Rights Organisation What is the impact of laws on ending FGM? Dr Charlotte Proudman answers this complicated question by applying an intersectional, feminist, and human rights framework. She allows the voices of girls and women to be heard which results in a unique and comprehensive analysis. Everyone interested in harmful practices should read this important book. - Dr Annemarie Middelburg, Lecturer in Law, University of Amsterdam

Author Information

Dr Charlotte Proudman is a leader in the field of FGM law. Her research has made a significant contribution to scholarship and her practice as a barrister has had an unprecedented impact on case law and law reform in the UK. Charlotte is a Junior Research Fellow at Queens' College, Cambridge where she researches the efficacy of FGM law in the UK and she was awarded a doctorate in FGM law and policy in the UK from King's College, Cambridge. As an award-winning barrister, Charlotte has represented FGM survivors in landmark cases and she was instrumental in the introduction of FGM Protection Orders.

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