Eradicating female genital mutilation - national action plan 2016-2020: equality impact assessment

Stage 1: Framing

Results of framing exercise

We looked at the report commissioned by the Scottish Government from the Scottish Refugee Council, Tackling Female Genital Mutilation in Scotland: A Scottish model of Intervention and found that further evidence is needed on the views of people potentially affected by FGM across all protected characteristics.

We have some information or evidence related to all protected characteristics but there is limited data captured from Scotland's 2011 Census in relation to the number of people living in Scotland that were born in FGM practicing countries, and the number of females who were born in Scotland with mothers from FGM practicing countries.

In the report by the Scottish Refugee Council Tackling FGM in Scotland (2014) the issue of lack of engagement was identified. This has been addressed by a programme of meetings with colleagues in Education, Child Protection, Analytical Services, Police Scotland, NHS Social Work, Third Sector and Community Organisation stakeholders to inform the framing exercise.

The Scottish Government is also funding the 'My Voice' project, which uses Participatory Ethnographic Evaluation and Research ( PEER) methodology to engage with young women, men and extending to religious leaders.
PEER is an innovative approach to qualitative research. Members of a community (researchers) are trained to carry out in-depth conversational interviews with friends in their social networks. PEER is highly effective in generating insights into sensitive issues among hard to reach groups, where stigma and marginalisation makes traditional research methods difficult to implement. The process enables programmes to engage communities in discussions, and ensures that the views of marginalised and disadvantaged groups can be heard.

Extent/Level of EQIA required

As a result of the framing exercise, a full EQIA was carried out.