What is cultural sensitivity or cultural awareness?

Why cultural sensitivity is essential when dealing with FGM/C

A qualitative study of a Somali community in the United Kingdom found that FGM-safeguarding practices often translated into stigmatization and traumatizing experiences.² The community members in the study were committed to ending FGM, but still reported the challenges that came out of the hyper-focus on one’s culture. Key findings from the study included the school setting and noted that if families wanted to take their children on vacation, regardless of whether it was an FGM-impacted area or not, they were more at risk of being referred to social services or mothers were questioned directly about their personal experiences with FGM._² Additionally, school referrals would lead to home visits by authoritative officials, such as social services or police. The stigmatization was also seen in clinical settings, at the community level, or when traveling. These negative experiences led to feelings of alienation, fear, and trauma. Despite being active in working against FGM, the Somali community in Bristol felt their voices and actions were being ignored.²

This example provides an important lens to look through when practicing FGM/C safeguarding within your school. There is a delicate balance to strike between ensuring you are picking up on risk factors or behavior changes, while also remaining culturally sensitive.