In school health care
The health nurse and doctor address the issue of female genital mutilation in an age-appropriate manner as part of health examinations. It is natural to talk about FGM, for example, when discussing the changes taking place during puberty.
Tips for school health care professionals
- Raise the topic of FGM during appointments with students.
- Use a culturally sensitive work approach.
- Note that even older girls may have never heard of FGM, and the subject may be foreign and scary.
- Tell the student about the health harms resulting from FGM.
- Explain that female genital mutilation is prohibited by the Criminal Code of Finland.
- Remind students that you have an obligation to submit a child protection notification and to notify the police if there is any suspicion of female genital mutilation.
- Explain that all children are entitled to physical integrity, health and life.
- Make a record of the conversations that take place.
