It is a privilege to be here and to have been asked to chair this event.
I would like to begin by welcoming every one of you here today. It's great
to see so many of you giving up your valuable time to join this important
conference.
* * * * * *
Some of you may be familiar with the topic of FGM - perhaps from having
encountered cases in your own work, or having heard about it or watched
the odd documentary or reading the Marie Claire article a few years
back.
Others might think it's interesting to hear about, but not something
they are likely to come across in the UK, or that it's not their problem.
Whatever may be people's understanding, FGM is a growing concern as
it affects more women and girls than we probably even realise. Recent
figures indicate that 74000 first generation African immigrant women
in the UK have undergone a form of FGM, and that up to 20000 women and
girls are 'at risk' of it.
However, these figures may differ from other surveys, as we do not
have any reliable methods of collating prevalence data.
* * * * * *
FGM is not a new phenomenon. Few individuals may be aware that FGM
is a practise that has existed in many civilisations and in EVERY continent
at some point in time.
This includes the UK and other western countries, where it was commonly
performed on women and girls up until the end of the nineteenth century,
for treatment of various kinds of "female pathology".
However, little evidence or reference to FGM being a western practice
remains in anthropological literature - as is often the case with obsolete
and disreputable practices.
* * * * * *
It was in the 1980's that FGM resurfaced and attracted media attention
when it became known that some private clinics in London were performing
circumcision on girls and women from overseas.
Whilst this triggered the government to bring in what was then the Prohibition
of Female Circumcision Act (1985) to prevent health professionals from
carrying out these procedures, it did not eliminate the practice.
The devastation of civil war and famine in certain parts of Africa
at the same period brought greater number of refugees, asylum seekers,
and economic migrants who continued with their cultural practice either
illegally or abroad, since the Act did not prohibit children from being
taken out of the country for the purpose of circumcision.
That is why the government recently strengthened the 1985 Act, by bringing
in the 2003 FGM Act, which makes it illegal for children to be taken
out of the country for the purpose of circumcision.
* * * * * *
However there are many who feel that the government and institutions
need to do a lot more - and go beyond legislation by adopting and implementing
a holistic program of action.
There are many local positive initiatives in the UK, and I have been
moved by the selfless efforts of women, men and organisations such as
the ACCM, working day and night in parts of the country. So there is
a real opportunity to support these local initiatives, to co-ordinate
their work, and to share good practice, to make a real difference.
There is also an opportunity to learn from elsewhere, as I did during
my visits to Egypt, Kenya, and the Gambia, where co-ordinated efforts
involving local religious and community leaders are helping to eliminate
the centuries-old cultural practice. I am pleased to say that Sarah
McCulloch will be touching on the international perspective this afternoon.
* * * * * *
As you go through the day, I am sure you will get a lot out of hearing
our speakers talking to you from their different areas of expertise.
The main message that I hope people will be taking away with them, is
that FGM is an issue that each and every one of us needs to be informed
about, as it's quite possible that you may encounter a case of FGM in
your own agency.
It's important, therefore, that awareness is raised and that we can
all be agents of change, by sharing and acting upon what is learnt today,
for the welfare of women and girls. END.