Creating Supportive Environments
Children and Women of FGM may have difficulty discussing intimate matters; therefore, health care providers should create an atmosphere that is open and non-judgmental. McGargill (2009) suggests that:
To approach the practice with an arrogant, ignorant, superior or condemning attitude would risk alienating the individuals we are intending to help. Understanding the immense pressure women are put under by their culture and their families to have their daughters undergo this abuse can help health care practitioners appreciate the difficulty these women have protecting their daughters and themselves. This can open the door to communication and education about stopping the practice. (p. 1)
It is important that health care providers establish an effective and collaborative partnership with children, women and their families in a dignified and respectful manner. Ball, Bindler, & Cowen (2010) suggest that:
Implementing Family Centered Care establishes a mutually beneficial partnership between the family and the nurse, and other health professionals. In this way, the priorities and needs of the family are addressed when the family seeks health care for the child. (pg.32)
It should also be recognized that Health Care Workers also need support when exposed to children and women with FGM. “Clinicians experienced shock, disbelief, psychological and even physical distress when first exposed to caring for women with FGM” (Ogunsiji, Wilkes & Jackson, 2007, p. 27). This statement by Ogunsiji, Wilkes & Jackson (2007) highlights:
A need for health workers to be able to discuss their feelings about FGM in a supportive environment, and to be able to seek information about FGM so that they can best meet the needs of these women clients. (p27)
Changing the face of health care services to accommodate children and women of FGM will include awareness, education and cultural competency. These factors will aid a nursing professional to create an environment that will support women of FGM. “The nursing community is on the front line for seeing this population and providing the care they need, as well as organizing to stop the practice through outreach and education” (McGargill, 2009, p. 5).
To approach the practice with an arrogant, ignorant, superior or condemning attitude would risk alienating the individuals we are intending to help. Understanding the immense pressure women are put under by their culture and their families to have their daughters undergo this abuse can help health care practitioners appreciate the difficulty these women have protecting their daughters and themselves. This can open the door to communication and education about stopping the practice. (p. 1)
It is important that health care providers establish an effective and collaborative partnership with children, women and their families in a dignified and respectful manner. Ball, Bindler, & Cowen (2010) suggest that:
Implementing Family Centered Care establishes a mutually beneficial partnership between the family and the nurse, and other health professionals. In this way, the priorities and needs of the family are addressed when the family seeks health care for the child. (pg.32)
It should also be recognized that Health Care Workers also need support when exposed to children and women with FGM. “Clinicians experienced shock, disbelief, psychological and even physical distress when first exposed to caring for women with FGM” (Ogunsiji, Wilkes & Jackson, 2007, p. 27). This statement by Ogunsiji, Wilkes & Jackson (2007) highlights:
A need for health workers to be able to discuss their feelings about FGM in a supportive environment, and to be able to seek information about FGM so that they can best meet the needs of these women clients. (p27)
Changing the face of health care services to accommodate children and women of FGM will include awareness, education and cultural competency. These factors will aid a nursing professional to create an environment that will support women of FGM. “The nursing community is on the front line for seeing this population and providing the care they need, as well as organizing to stop the practice through outreach and education” (McGargill, 2009, p. 5).