(Please note this story is confronting, and includes graphic medical descriptions.)

This week on Think: Health, we are dedicating an entire episode to female genital mutilation (FGM) in Australia.

Women who have migrated from countries that practice FGM are often faced with ignorace from Australia’s health services, especially when pregnant.

The University of Techology Sydney has pioneered new research, in conjunction with the University of Sydney, and developed an e-training package to educate midwives and obstetricians on how to help pregnant women with FGM.

Part of the training package includes advocacy, as daughters born to women with FGM are also at risk of FGM.

We delve into the practice, find out if our health systems are adequately equipped to help women and their children, and also ask if the practice is continuing on our own soil.

Speakers:

Khadija Gbla – FGM survivor & Executive Director of No FGM Australia
Angela Dawson – Research Fellow, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney
Nesrin Varole – Social Professor, University of Sydney
Jeremy Wright – Retired obstetrician and gynaecologist who has worked in Ethopia
Gregory Jenkins – Obstetrian and gynaecologist, Auburn Hospital
Paula Ferrari – Managing Director, No FGM Australia

More information:

Lifeline
E-training package for RANZCOC members
No FGM Australia
Stop FGM in Australia: Petition