Female Genital Mutilation campaigns by Barnardos (UK) and Plan 'Because I am a girl'

girl Barnardo's is leading on an a UK initiative, funded by the Government's Innovation Programme, that will work with leading experts, local authorities and organisations already active in the field of FGM to help build a specialist, joined up service that will focus on safeguarding girls and preventing further cases.

Specialist social workers will provide support, including through court proceedings and coordinate psychological and medical specialist care. Experts will work with communities affected by FGM to change attitudes and behaviours.

Learn more: http://www.barnardos.org.uk/news/Barnardo8217s_new_Female_Genital_Mutilation_prevention_programme_/

From the Plan website:

FGM is a violation of human rights. Also known as female genital cutting or female circumcision, it involves the removal of the external parts of the genitals for reasons with absolutely no basis in fact or evidence. It causes untold physical and emotional trauma while enforcing the inherent gender inequality found in cultures that practice FGM.

In countries that openly practise FGM, the incidence can be very high – such as in Egypt (91%) and Somalia (97%, even though the country has recently declared FGM illegal).

Female genital mutilation is a global problem that requires a global solution. Even in countries where FGM is banned, girls can be equally at risk, as the practice is often hidden. In addition laws are often not effectively enforced and prosecutions are rarely sought.

Around the globe, 130 million girls and women have undergone FGM.
In Africa 101 million girls aged 10 and over have been subjected to FGM.
Every year a further 3 million girls are at risk of FGM in Africa alone.
In the UK it's estimated that 65,000 girls are at risk each year.

Photo from Plan website