FGM: A Hidden Problem in the UK

6 February marks International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and we turn our attention to FGM in the UK. Shockingly, a case of FGM is reported in England on average every 109 minutes.

While the majority of FGM cases occur in Africa, new statistics reveal it is also a serious problem that’s happening right on our doorsteps. The most recent full year of official figures reveal 2,421 cases on the eve of International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

FGM is mostly carried out on girls between infancy and age 15. It is a violation of girls’ rights that has no health benefits and causes physical and emotional trauma. Female circumcision commonly leads to infection, infertility, and even death. 

Around 170,000 women and girls are living with the consequences of FGM in the UK and a further 65,000 girls under 13 could be at risk of FGM. Through our work with the Youth For Change group of young people, we’re calling for better teacher training on how to spot girls at risk. A report by Youth For Change found that teachers felt ill-equipped to deal with the issues of FGM.