FORWARD Press Statement: Women call for an end to female genital mutilation to mark the Day of the African Child

June 16th 2010

Press Statement – For immediate release

16 June is International Day of the African Child. On this occasion, FORWARD calls on UK leaders to address the rights of African girls as essential to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular tackling female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage which hamper girls’ potential, health and development.

FGM is a form of violence against women and girls and a human rights violation.

The practice is illegal in the UK, yet in 2001 it was estimated that over 66,000 women and girls were affected by FGM in the UK and a 2005 study by FORWARD estimated around 32,000 girls were at high risk of FGM.

Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that 100-140 million women have undergone FGM and 3 million girls are at risk in Africa alone.

More needs to be done to empower women and men – mothers and fathers – and communities as they are central to safeguarding the rights of girls and young women.

Supported by FORWARD, women in Bristol are marched today as part of ongoing actions to spotlight the lack of knowledge on FGM amongst statutory professionals and the lack of services for women and girls affected.

“Women themselves need to stand up to end FGM. This is why we are marching – to show that we do not support this practice and we do not want this for our daughters” said Layla, one of the organizers of the march.

Naana Otoo-Oyortey, FORWARD Executive Director: “It is only through effective community engagement and programmes supporting women and girls’ leadership that real change will happen.”

Notes to the editor:

For information about FGM in the UK or to arrange interviews with FORWARD about the march: Email rita@forwarduk.org.uk

FORWARD is an African Diaspora women's campaign and support charity. Our work responds to the need to safeguard dignity and advance the sexual and reproductive health and human rights of African women and girls. Our vision is that women and girls live in dignity, are healthy and have choices and equal opportunities to fulfill their potential. Find out more at http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/