‘Female genital mutilation (FGM) includes procedures that
intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for
non-medical reasons’.

We hear from Wendy Bell, SI Tenby and District Co-ordinator for the
“Awareness Campaign” on Female Genital Mutilation and Circumcision

"Unfortunately the practice of FGM is but one piece in the
mosaic of violence against women and girls. Women all over the world belong to
the same unhappy sisterhood of violence, either through sexual abuse, rape,
widow burning, early or forced marriages, honour killings, domestic violence
and FGM.

FGM reinforces what runs as the theme in many girl’s and
women’s lives – “You are to obey the will of others”. Held down by force, with
no chance of escape, and being cut in her most intimate body parts, the girl
learns the lesson that “others own and control you”

Equality between men and women can only be reached if gender
based violence comes to an end.

Tenby members have worked tirelessly since 2003 on an
Awareness Campaign on the issue of FGM. A 
total of 3000+ letters were sent to each member of a UK Government,
British members of the EU Parliament, the heads of religious groups, Chiefs of
Police, women’s and men’s organisations, and a great many SI clubs interested
in the subject. An exhibit was produced, also an illustrated talk which was
taken to local clubs and events. In 2007 Tenby won the Soroptimist
International of Great Britain & Ireland Federation Award for “Human Rights
and the Status of Women” and in the same year an article we wrote for the SI
publication “Giving Girls a Chance” was presented in New York to the UN
Commission for the Status of Women. We have given talks and mounted exhibitions
on the subject, produced a DVD, and had a Petition “Against the Illegal
Practice of FGM/C” presented to Parliament in May 2014, this was accepted and
is now recorded in Hansard. The latest figures for the UK indicate that an
estimated 100,000 women are thought to have undergone FGM, and 24,000 girls
under 15 are at risk of being taken abroad for the procedure. Worldwide it is
estimated that 140million are affected. We are now distributing small booklets
produced by the Government and posters that are part of the NSPCC campaign
against FGM. I recently gave a presentation at our Regional meeting and details
of the latter were given to the clubs there.

Click here to hear stories from survivors NSPCC 

As the co-ordinator for the “Awareness Project” I was
invited to attend the Reception at the Speaker’s State Rooms in Westminster
prior to the “Girl’s Summit, and also to the Summit itself. Unfortunately I was
unable to accept the invitations but was delighted that our work had been
recognised at a high level. David Cameron has pledged millions of pounds
towards the eradication of the practice, and Lynne Featherstone MP is to lead
the international drive.

In September we were asked by the College of Policing to
participate in a “Consultation on the subject of Female Genital Mutilation,
again evidence that our work has been recognised.    

One of the Soroptimist Code’s of Practice is “to enhance the
well being and status of women worldwide”. Waris Dirie the UN Ambassador for FGM,
who was herself circumcised, has stated that 1) FGM is the most cynical form of child abuse. All countries are obliged
to take serious and consequent action against those who practice it. 2) If FGM were a matter affecting men – the
matter would on be settled!!

 We live in a rural
area unaffected by FGM, but we will continue to work, and work with others towards
the eradication of this horrific practice, and in the hope that in the not too
distant future prosecutions will finally take place.

We are proud to know that our campaign has made people talk
about, and not turn away from this issue". 

 

A friendship link between SI Nottingham, UK and SI Karlsruhe,
Germany developed following the 75^th Anniversary celebratory
friendship weekend of SI Nottingham. Through this link, SI Karlsruhe inspired
SI Nottingham to develop a student journalism award and this years winning audio presentation focused on FGM.

Barbara Bailey, a much loved member of SI Club Nottingham
and a Soroptimist of more than 60 years, had a passion for education. It was
decided that a legacy left to the club by Barbara would be used to create a
Journalism Award for a student from Nottingham Trent University. Building on
Soroptimist values, a prize each year would be awarded to someone who produced
the best media programme on women’s issues.

Looking to raise students’ awareness of women’s issues in
the media, as well as awareness of key values of Soroptimism, Laura Hough, who
graduated on Wednesday 23rd July 2014 from the Nottingham Trent University
Department of Broadcasting and Journalism, was named winner of the Soroptimist
International Nottingham’s Student Award for Journalism.

To enter the award, students were asked to submit an audio
or video presentation which highlighted issues that have a potentially
detrimental impact on the lives and aspirations of vulnerable young women in
today’s Britain. Submissions included forced marriage, anorexia nervosa, and laddish
humour and its effect on the victims of rape.

Laura’s project was an audio presentation on the theme of
Female Genital Mutilation. Despite being illegal in the UK since 2003, it is
estimated that more than 20,000 girls a year are at risk of this
violation.  "I am very proud to have
done this project,” explained Laura. “It was difficult at times, but I am
pleased to have helped in raising awareness of this issue".

As the standard was so high this year, it was decided to
award a runner up award. Kelly Petterssen was nominated for her hard hitting
project about the fate of Girls in Gangs, based in Nottingham.

Click here to hear the winning and runner-up presentations.

Special thanks to Nottingham Trent University and its Centre
for Broadcast and Journalism