Building a future free of FGM in Waltham Forest, east London
“Talking about changing a culture - that’s huge. Families often don’t talk about certain things that happen in the home. In many households, taboo issues such as FGM and sexual abuse are not discussed. Instead they are often swept under the rug. It’s time we lifted the rug.”
Andreena (left) was among the outspoken community members taking a strong stance to safeguard girls against FGM in schools at a recent community conference in Waltham Forest, East London this International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. Andreena reflects on the challenge of changing culture in families and the importance of engaging men and boys.
“It’s time we lifted the rug.”
Together with the London Borough of Waltham Forest, SafeHands convened community leaders to discuss practical interventions towards a future free of FGM as part of the “Waltham Forest: Building a future free of FGM” Conference on Thursday 6 February 2020.
Teachers, social workers, community campaigners and health professionals from across Waltham Forest and London discussed the importance of safeguarding women and girls at risk and supporting survivors of FGM. Speakers included journalist Rossalyn Warren, Chair of the London Assembly and Campaign for the Education of FGM Jeanette Arnold, SafeHands Ambassador Hibo Wardere and SafeHands Assistant Director Erica Belanger. Participants came together to amplify their voices and join the campaign to end FGM. Masterclasses were hosted on Ending FGM through Arts, Working with Families Affected by FGM and FGM Work in Schools.
Waltham Forest, a local authority in East London, has a proud record of maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to FGM. It is home to the first antenatal clinic to support expectant mothers affected by FGM at Whipps Cross Hospital. In 2018, two of the UK’s most prominent anti-FGM campaigners and proud Waltham Forest residents, including our own Hibo Wardere, were recognised for their efforts and awarded the Freedom of the Borough.
Schools and communities are important settings to protect at-risk girls from FGM. SafeHands’ project End FGM: Teachers on the Frontline is working with schools in Waltham Forest to undertake activities in schools to prevent FGM including strengthening the inclusion of FGM in education curriculum, training staff to identify at risk children of FGM and providing relevant information and materials on FGM. We understand that schools and communities must work together towards a future free of FGM.
If you suspect someone is at risk or being subjected to any form of FGM, it is important to take action and report it straight away. In the UK, if someone is in immediate danger please dial 999. If you are concerned about a child, please call the NSPCC on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk. Domestic violence support is also available on Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
If you suspect someone is at risk or being subjected to any form of FGM, it is important to take action and report it straight away. In the UK, if someone is in immediate danger please dial 999. If you are concerned about a child, please call the NSPCC on 0800 028 3550 or email fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk. Domestic violence support is also available on Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247.
Photo Credit:
Banner Image: SafeHands | Mohsen Zarei | 2020
Community Image: SafeHands | Mohsen Zarei | 2020