What are the possible solutions to this problem?

Some possible solutions are:

• Providing a framework for the care for women with FGM, to be implemented by each European Union Member State (Leye, Powell, Nienhuis, Claeys & Temmerman, 2006).

• In Germany in 1999, Dr. Groh suggested a “new’’ technique
  • an incision in the clitoral hood without cutting  (Groh, 1999 as cited in Leye, et al., 2006).
• less drastic procedures are possible

• A harm-reduction strategy can be used by having the procedure performed by skill professionals: 

• Under hygienic circumstances with anesthetics (Shell–Duncan, 2001 as cited in Leye, et al., 2006)

Taken from: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4083807851_c66b9943f0.jpg

The European Union identified three health interventions:

1. Technical guidelines for the clinical management of women with FGM  
2. Codes of conduct for health care professionals published by professional associations on quality of care issues (e.g., culturally appropriate care) 
3. Specialized health services that provide medical care, psychological care, and counseling (Leye, et al., 2006).

Canadian Nurse (2010) recommends the following to eliminate FGM:

• complex social change
• a multidisciplinary approach that:
• respects the importance of cultural traditions
• fosters active engagement about the issue from men
• identifies employment options for women who currently earn their living performing the procedure (Canadian Nurse, 2010).
• An alternative approach to FGM is Ntanira Na Mugambo or "circumcision through words".
• It includes a week-long program of counselling, training, and providing of information to young women, ending with the "coming of age" day, when members of the community gather for a celebration with music, dances, and feasting.
• Since its initiation in Kenya in August, 1996, about 300 women have experienced this rite as an alternative to the traditional FGM.
• The key to its success is that it involves the adolescents, family members and the community’s participation in the design of the project.
• Men receive training on the negative effects of FGM for women, and they have to commit themselves to not require that their future wives be circumcised