Zero Tolerance on FGM Day!

Community groups in East London are taking a stance against female genital mutilation (FGM). The Ocean Somali Community Association and Tower Hamlets Council are co-hosting a conference to mark International Zero Tolerance on Female Genital Mutilation Day on Friday, 6th February.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice is illegal in the UK. The conference will explore ways in which this harmful practice can be eradicated and how the community and council are supporting women affected. The UK is taking key steps to not only prevent FGM from happening but also to ensure that those who practise it are prosecuted.

Speakers include a survivor of FGM, Hodo Ali, who will share her experience of living with the effects of FGM and why she has chosen to campaign against the practice. A representative from the Women’s Health and Family Services will talk about how they have recruited advocates to empower other women who have undergone FGM and help break the cycle of it taking place.

Fiona Dwyer, the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy manager for Tower Hamlets council will discuss how FGM fits within the council’s wider VAWG Plan. Fiona will also discuss how the council is working on a pilot scheme alongside the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to help prevent harmful practices including FGM, forced marriage, “honour”-based violence and faith-based abuse.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “We are pleased to be marking such an important international day in Tower Hamlets. This conference brings key people together and shows just how committed we all are to helping eradicate this practice and work together to end gender based violence.”

•The conference will be held at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, Bethnal Green, E2 6HG on Friday, 6th February from 6-8.30pm. Residents are invited to come along and find out what leading campaigners and activists are doing to empower the community to stamp out FGM by working together. Admission is by ticket only: apply in advance on: http://bit.ly/1tpbnTX
•To follow the work of the Ocean Somali Community Association, go to www.oceansomali.org.uk/index.php or email ayan_mahamoud@oceansomali.org.uk
•To follow the work of the Women’s Health and Family Services, a multi-cultural community health charity focused on health and empowerment issues for disadvantaged women and their families which is based in Tower Hamlets, go to: http://whfs.org.uk.