Last week, a woman from east London was the first person in the UK to be convicted of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Today, the London Assembly announced its support for the Let’s Protect Our Girls campaign which aims to educate communities about the long-term health consequences of FGM, raise awareness that it's illegal and promote the NSPCC's FGM helpline for support, advice or to report.
Susan Hall AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Female Genital Mutilation is an abhorrent crime that is sadly hidden allowing those responsible to go unpunished. Last week’s first-ever FGM conviction demonstrates that this practice will not be tolerated in our country, however, it has taken too long to get here since it was outlawed in 1985.
“This is a serious problem in London, nearly half of the 7000 girls and women the NHS discovered to have been victims of FGM were in our city. It’s important that we raise awareness of this vile form of child abuse, act to stamp it out and protect young girls in our communities.”
Navin Shah AM, who seconded the motion said:
“Earlier this week, we marked the International Day for Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation. It reminds us of the sad and stark truth that this barbaric practice remains prevalent across the world, and even closer to home, in our own capital.
“It has been positive to see City Hall allocate more resources to ensure that Londoners who have suffered at the hands of FGM are better supported, and those most at risk are adequately protected. In my constituency, Norbury School in Harrow, has carried out some pioneering work on FGM prevention and I hope that the Mayor will consider providing their initiative with some extra funding.
“For London to become a ‘zero-cutting’ city, it is vital that we continue to raise awareness of the devastating consequences that FGM can have and ensure that more perpetrators are brought to justice”.
The full text of the motion is:
“Female Genital Mutilation, including pricking, piercing and cutting, has lifelong consequences, and has no place in London or the UK. This Assembly supports the Let Us Protect Our Girls campaign, which is being carried out in partnership between HM Government and the NSPCC. This Assembly commends the leadership of activists working from within those communities and other stakeholders affected. We acknowledge the work of the Mayor and agree that it is crucial that we continue to raise awareness of this issue and support those women and girls who have undergone this practice.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast
- The motion was agreed unanimously.
- Susan Hall AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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