Offering Holistic Medical Care & Support to Survivors of Female Genital Mutilation in Australia
Desert Flower South Australia is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to offering holistic medical care and support to young people and women who are survivors of trauma and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Australia.
Our Purpose
The purpose of creating Desert Flower South Australia, is to help provide assistance to young people and women who have experienced female genital mutilation (FGM) and associated trauma.
Using a collaborative approach, we provide people with the information and choice to seek multidisciplinary care, including evidence-based medical, surgical, social support and psychological help.
We also aim to raise community awareness about the issue and stress the importance of person-centred care and self-determination. We genuinely care for each person and understand the importance of using a trauma-informed approach that emphasises safety, trust, accountability, respect, and quality of life.
Whilst continuing to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in the community, Desert Flower South Australia has evolved to also assist patients with gender reassignment and labial fusion from trauma, iatrogenic, and hypoestrogenic causes.
Desert Flower South Australia is its own entity. The wellbeing and Recovery Research Institute (accredited by NHMRC) supports fundraising and research on FGM.
Our History
Founded in 2018 by Dr Fariba Behnia-Willison together with co-founders Dr Tran Nguyen and Nadia Willison, Desert Flower South Australia is dedicated to the reversal of FGM related gynaecological issues and sexual dysfunction. It provides victims of FGM with safe space and expert medical and holistic care at no cost.
The vision to start up Desert Flower South Australia was initiated by Nadia Willison at her 21st birthday. Nadia dedicated her birthday to raise donations to help establish the centre which is the first Desert Flower Centre in Australia.
What is FGM?
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to intentional alteration or removal of parts of the female genitalia for non-medical reasons. FGM is internationally recognised as a violation of human rights.
Millions of girls and women worldwide are affected by the practice of FGM. Several countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia are at an increased risk of this practice. Australian women are also not immune. Immigration can bring the practice into our country as well as the UK and the USA.
The long-term effects of FGM are still felt amongst many Australian girls and women living with the repercussions and trauma they received from the practice back home. The announcement of the centre signals hope and restores resilience. It also creates an opportunity to place South Australia on the map as a global leader in the No FGM movement.
The World Health Organization has classified FGM into four main types:
- Type 1: Commonly called clitoridectomy. Total or partial removal of clitoris.
- Type 2: Commonly called excision. Total or partial removal of clitoris as well as labia minora, and possibly the labia majora.
- Type 3: Commonly called infibulation. Narrowing of vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal.
- Type 4: any other harmful procedure performed on the female genitalia.
Dr Behnia-Willison and Dr Nguyen, in collaboration with our multidisciplinary team, will utilise their knowledge and specialised surgical skills to help women affected by FGM.
How We Help
Desert Flower South Australia is dedicated to offering medical support to survivors of Female Genital Mutiliation by facilitating access to a range of specialised services including corrective surgery.
Women and girls who have been survivors of FGM may experience a number of longterm health consequences both physically and mentally. Desert Flower South Australia is comprised of a team of expert doctors, surgeons, clinicians and mental health support professionals well as FGM support advocates. The aim of the centre is to help to provide survivor healing from the trauma caused by FGM.
How Can I Help?
Desert Flower South Australia is a not-for-profit charity that relies on public support.
To help protect girls from FGM and provide support for women impacted by FGM please donate to Desert Flower South Australia by contacting the ACHA Foundation on (08) 8275 3587 or foundation@acha.org.au and specify that your donation is in Support of Desert Flower South Australia.
Please use the link below to access our donation form:
What do I do if I think someone might be at risk of FGM?
If you know someone who you think might legitimately be at risk of being subjected to FGM you should report it to the police. Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of human rights and a criminal offence in Australia. Teachers and social workers are mandated reporters. You can find out more about warning signs to look out for and contact numbers for child protection agencies in your state on our About FGM page.
Recognition
FBW Gynaecology Plus / Desert Flower South Australia has been recognised in the categories of Accelerating Women & Championing Health at the National Telstra Best of Business Awards 2023.
Designed to capture the diversity and successes of businesses making a difference, FBW Gynaecology Plus have been recognised for challenging exclusion and inequality and assisting to create meaningful and lasting equity for women, together with contributing to solving and improving health outcomes for all Australians.
FBW Gynaecology Plus actively challenge exclusion and inequality with an awareness of, and provision for, gender diversity and those marginalised, seeking to give all women a voice. We are proud to support survivors of FGM through the Desert Flower Centre SA.
We are honoured to be recognised and wish to extend our thanks to Telstra, and also acknowledge the other outstanding nominees.
Thank you to our wonderful clients: This is for you.