Portsmouth groups spread awareness about female genital mutilation

A group of Portsmouth-based organisations hosted a community-led information and awareness event to mark the UN International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.

Guests were treated to a women-only pamper morning at St George’s Church in Portsea, provided by Spa 61, followed by an event for professionals to learn from minority communities and a community play exploring some of the challenges faced within communities in ending the practice.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is an annual event organised by the UN to encourage conversations around gender equality, the sexual and reproductive health needs of women and girls who suffer from the consequences of FGM and to ultimately end the practice.

Freida M'Cormack, community co-ordinator at Portsmouth City Council, said: ‘This is the second year the Portsmouth FGM Operational Group is partnering with Spa 61 to promote community awareness of FGM.

‘This year our aim is to provide an environment in which community members from countries of prevalence can have frank discussions with staff from statutory agencies, as a way of empowering both groups to help put an end to the practice in Portsmouth.’

Organisers were keen to speak openly about FGM and explained how it is often performed due to cultural tradition rather than out of malice.

Fatoumata Koma from the Minority Women Group in Portsmouth said: ‘FGM is custom and tradition but it is not necessary and has significant negative consequences.

‘It’s really important for us to tell the community how dangerous it is. We’re trying to stop it before it happens, it can affect you all your life.

‘If it’s something harming you more than benefitting you then you should stop it.’

The pampering session offered by Spa 61 saw women enjoy massages and manicures in a safe space to chat and relax.

Liz Wood from Spa 61 said: ‘We love getting to these ladies and learning about their experiences, and realising that when we come along in these situations we’re getting women together and it’s a lovely community feeling.’