Reflecting on the Working Together to End FGM Conference
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a persistent and harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia, which can have serious physical, psychological and social consequences and can even result in death. The West Midlands has one of the highest prevalence rates of FGM outside of London, with about 12-16 per 1,000 women experiencing FGM in their lifetime.
Last Thursday (6th Feb), to coincide with International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (#Unite2EndFGM), a new project led by the University of Birmingham was launched at a special conference. The project will research and improve communications about FGM in education and campaign materials.
The Working Together to End FGM conference was delivered in partnership with Birmingham Against FGM, a multi-agency group which seeks to lead and co-ordinate activity to prevent the practice of FGM across Birmingham. It featured speakers including Cllr Nicky Brennan who is a Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, and Jess Philips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, via a pre-recorded video.
Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said “Female genital mutilation is an issue which continues to persist, even today. Girls who undergo female genital mutilation live with complications such as severe pain, shock, and infections, but also with long-term consequences for their sexual and reproductive health and mental health.
“Collective actions centred around creating environments where girls and women can exercise their power and choice, enjoying their rights to health, education, and safety is imperative. This is possible through a coordinated approach by raising awareness, taking action and engaging with whole communities to eliminate female genital mutilation to ensure a brighter, healthier, and more just future for all women and girls everywhere.”
A survivor of FGM also spoke about her experience. Aissa Edon, who herself experienced FGM when she was a child and now campaigns to end the practice, said: “6th February is International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, which calls for an end of FGM. Whilst it is important to have an awareness day, to actually prevent and end FGM, education, communication and healthcare tailored to this issue should be readily available.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “Female genital mutilation is a criminal offence. It is a form of violence against women and girls and in the latter case it is child abuse. It is also a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of women and girls.
“Preventing and tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms is a top priority for me. I am pleased to be supporting International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation at this Conference today.
“It is imperative that the rights and welfare of victims and survivors of FGM are protected and safeguarded, so that they are able to access the specialist support services they need to cope and recover.
“Committed and collective action is needed, engaging communities and focusing on human rights, gender equality, sexual education and law enforcement, to eliminate female genital mutilation and ensure an equal and just future for women and girls everywhere.”
If you’re worried a child is at risk of, or has already had FGM, call NSPCC’s dedicated FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550 or email fgm.help@nspcc.org.uk
Visit the NHS Birmingham and Solihull’s FGM webpage for more information.
Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership is a member of the Birmingham Against FGM group.