Over the summer months, Platform 51 is running a campaign in South Bristol to raise awareness about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The strap line for the campaign is “It might not be happening to you, but it’s still going on”. FGM affects us all as it is a human rights abuse.
WHAT IS FGM?
FGM is a cultural practice that involves the removal or injury of external female genitalia. FGM is practised in 28 African countries, parts of Asia and Latin America. FGM is against the law and a form of child abuse.
It is estimated that there could be 140 million women worldwide who have undergone FGM.
Female Genital Mutilation is generally performed on girls aged 8-14, but can be done at any age. It is a cultural practice NOT religious and there are variations on the severity of the practice, from piercing the clitoris to removing the lips and narrowing the opening to of the vagina. FGM is generally not performed using any anaesthetic or in sterile conditions.
WHO IS AT RISK?
In the UK prevalence studies suggest there are 20,000 girls who could be at risk (http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm/research).
Girls most at risk of FGM may be British citizens born to parents from FGM affected communities or girls that live in the UK who were born in countries that practice FGM.
In Bristol there are approximately 3,100 girls aged 3-18 who come from countries (or whose parents come from countries) where FGM is practised. Bristol has a growing Black and Minority Ethnic population and some of the largest growing groups come from countries where FGM is practised. FGM is a secretive practice, because it is illegal in many countries, including the UK. Accurate figures relating to FGM are difficult to obtain.
WHY THE SUMMER?
The period before and during the summer holidays has traditionally been identified as a high risk time for girls who undergo FGM. The girl may need a long period (4-8 weeks) of recovery following this procedure.
If you think a girl may be at risk, please call Childline on 0800 1111.
PLATFORM 51′S SUMMER CAMPAIGN
Over the summer months we plan to photograph people holding up placards and collect these as a form of visual signature. People can chose to hold up a banner that says women/girls/men/boys or friends against FGM. These will be made available via this blog and will be presented to key figures within Bristol later on in the year to demonstrate that people who may from neighbourhoods where FGM is little known about both aware of this harmful practice and are opposed to it.
We intend to run stalls at a number of events across South Bristol over the summer where we will talk to people face to face about FGM, distribute information leaflets and take people’s photographs.
Come and learn more at the launch event at City Academy, 29th May 4-6pm (Russell Town Avenue, Bristol).
