A new project will bring together multi-sector experts including those from NHS Birmingham and Solihull to explore and potentially improve the language that is used to discuss and raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM) in communities in the West Midlands.
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 prevalences of FGM outside of London, with about 12-16 per 1,000 women experiencing FGM in their lifetime.
To coincide with International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (#Unite2EndFGM) on 6 February, a new research project was launched at a special conference delivered in partnership with Birmingham Against FGM, a multi-agency group which includes the NHS and seeks to lead and co-ordinate activity to prevent the practice of FGM across Birmingham.
As well as launching the research – aimed at improving communications about FGM in education and campaign materials – the conference included keynote speeches from FGM survivor Aissa Edon, Jess Philips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and Cllr Nicky Brennan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.
Jeannette Littlemore, Professor of Linguistics and Communication at the University of Birmingham, who is leading the research said: “The UK Government has recognised that FGM is a serious problem. In order to raise awareness and promote actions that will lead to its prevention, it has made it a national requirement for FGM to be included in all school settings in Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) classes, in addition to creating national and regional public information campaigns.
“In FGM research, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of using language that lands well with its recipients. However, very few studies have explored the language used in educational settings and campaigns relating to FGM and the impact it has on recipients. We must know what works, and what doesn’t so that government and organisations can create impactful communications to empower their recipients to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions that will lead to the eradication of FGM.
“As we begin work on this project, it is vital that collaboration with partners, experts, survivors, and communities remains at the heart of what we do. FGM can have catastrophic consequences for women and girls, and it is only by working together on research like this, that we can get closer to eradicating the practice in the West Midlands and the UK.”
Helen Kelly, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care Board, said: “Female genital mutilation is an incredibly harmful practice. It’s our responsibility as healthcare professionals to ensure that the environments where women seek care are safe, understanding and compassionate.
“Equally important is the need for our staff to be well-informed on how to discuss FGM with our communities and provide appropriate care for those affected or at risk. This includes knowing how to appropriately escalate concerns and how to investigate cases without causing further trauma to women who have already endured so much. We know that the best way to achieve the best outcomes for our patients and communities affected by FGM is to work in collaboration with our partners. I’m pleased to see that work is continuing at pace and look forward to seeing what more our collaborative efforts can achieve."
Co-Chairs of Birmingham Against FGM, Arvindar Sagoo and Emma Chander, said: “The project will be invaluable to the work that we are currently doing in Birmingham. FGM is a hidden crime that often takes place within closed communities. Our hopes for the project are that we will be able to engage with these communities more effectively to enable them to access help and resources available to them.”
Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said "FGM 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 FGM to ensure a brighter, healthier, and more just future for all women and girls everywhere."
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.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “Preventing and tackling violence against women and girls in all its forms is a top priority for me. 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.”
