do YOU know what female genital mutilation is?
Female genital mutilation is illegal in the UK and most other countries. As well as the extreme pain involved, victims commonly suffer psychological and emotional trauma. Medical complications can include urinary infections, kidney failure, sterility and death. FGM, also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is defined by the World Health Organisation as "all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons".
(http://integratebristol.org.uk/2012/01/14/silent-scream/)
(http://www.forwarduk.org.uk/key-issues/fgm)
I feel strongly about education & awareness surrounding this issue. I believe it's crucial to make sure young girls are protected, and that those who are survivors of FGM are supported & looked after properly.
“Education to young people on female genital mutilation is hugely important and invaluable. It is not just about legalization and having laws it’s about prevention and getting to children as young as possible and explaining to them that this could happen to you,” (Arifa Nasim, educator and campaigner against forced marriage)
I am asking you to sponsor me what you can - I'm going to work on the bus in onesie. Sounds like a laugh, but the story behind it is abhorrent. FGM needs to stop but for now we can educate our girls and make sure they have all the power they need in the hope that they can speak up for themselves and for their bodies. Integrate Bristol are saving up for a conference on on 7th February which is aimed at encouraging & motivating schools to introduce education around FGM - not just FGM, also forced marriage and other issues which teachers find challenging. Id like to help them fund this, which is why I am asking you to sponsor me. Please, give what you can afford. Thank you :) x
@VictoriaWroteIt
@FGMsilentscream
http://integratebristol.org.uk/2012/01/14
