It is not so often that a book is published about female genital mutilation. In fact, there are not enough books on the topic. It is with pleasure that Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation introduces to our readers a new book on female genital mutilation, written by Hilary Burrage.
The book, Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation: A U.K. Perspective (Ashgate, 2015) details the situation which not only the U.K. currently faces but other Western nations as well. The author pens her understanding on how female genital mutilation (FGM) became so prevalent in modern Western nations in recent years.
In twelve chapters, the author outlines the consequences of FGM, which are carried out from one generation to another. She stresses the obstetric problems women encounter after they have undergone female genital mutilation. She indicates that with health risks and problems, the children of survivors of FGM (both boys and girls) either die or live marred lives due to their difficult entries into the world. Burrage states, “It is sometimes lethal and often permanently damaging, both physically and psychologically.”
The author solicits statements, interviews and comments from FGM survivors, friends and colleagues of survivors, activists and advocates against female genital mutilation. This book is recommended as a handbook, an educational piece and a reference source. It makes for a great read. The book is available in paperback, hardcover and e-book.
The author, Hilary Burrage is a freelance Sociologist and Community Activist. She has been a Senior Lecturer in Health and Social care and a University Research Associate in Community Health. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Merseyside NHS Ambulance & Trust, and a Trustee of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She is also a Correspondent with the Guardian.