Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Anti-FGM campaigner Ifrah Ahmed speaking at a seminar in Dublin last year Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland

More than 3,000 women in Ireland subjected to genital mutilation, says TD

Jerry Buttimer was speaking as the Government moved to crack down on the practice.

MORE THAN 3,000 women living in Ireland have been subjected to female genital mutilation, a Fine Gael TD has said as the Government moved to crack down on the practice.

Jerry Buttimer said FGM was widely perceived as “something that happens in other countries”, but in fact it was a procedure affecting women and children in Ireland.

He was speaking as the Female Genital Mutilation Bill neared its final stages in the Dáil. The new legislation will categorise FGM as a distinct offence, and also ban the removal of girls or women from Ireland for the purpose of genital mutilation.

“Estimates indicate that 3,170 women living in Ireland have been subjected to the procedure,” Buttimer said. “The Government and the State have a duty to act to protect women and children living here who might be exposed to the practice.”

Buttimer, who chairs the Dáil Select Committee on Health and Children, said Ireland would be contributing to the fight against a worldwide problem.

Globally, between 100 and 140 million girls and women have undergone FGM. It is prevalent in certain regions and cultures and the reasons used to supposedly explain the practice include sexuality, marriageability, economics, tradition and religion.

He added that raising awareness of the issue would begin to change attitudes, saying: “We can cause people to reconsider what they may otherwise have accepted as normal practice.”

The legislation has now passed committee stage and will return to the Dáil to be voted on by TDs.

More: The world’s worst places to be a woman>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
45 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Cunnane
    Favourite Simon Cunnane
    Report
    Aug 3rd 2011, 8:17 AM

    Excellent, very well written article from Corporal Rigney. Stay safe.

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pen Name
    Favourite Pen Name
    Report
    Aug 3rd 2011, 10:58 AM

    That’s a good read. I’d like more articles like that on journal.ie.

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Johnny Wonga
    Favourite Johnny Wonga
    Report
    Aug 4th 2011, 6:13 PM

    Yes definately, why not do a full series on “day in the life of…” across different workplaces/professions/trades/vocations etc.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Shea
    Favourite Dave O'Shea
    Report
    Aug 3rd 2011, 9:15 AM

    Oh by the way … Nice tan

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave O'Shea
    Favourite Dave O'Shea
    Report
    Aug 3rd 2011, 9:15 AM

    Nice one Alan , keep safe mate and look after the red arse’s ;-)

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Torpedo
    Favourite Torpedo
    Report
    Aug 3rd 2011, 9:11 AM

    This brings back some happy memories

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joan Featherstone
    Favourite Joan Featherstone
    Report
    Aug 6th 2011, 8:47 PM

    Hey yep Johnny, that’s a brilliant idea, would make excellent reading…. I’ll volunteer!!!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute JD Power
    Favourite JD Power
    Report
    Aug 5th 2011, 2:33 AM

    How about, I really miss you ….but it’s time I cracked onto myself and stopped being a whiney bastard!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds