Liverpool young people demand end to FGM

A new exhibition designed by young people and calling for an end to female genital mutilation (FGM) has gone on display at Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum.

Members of Savera UK Youth have created #EndFGM which runs until February 27 and coincides with International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM.

They worked in collaboration with survivors, performance artists and photographers to help put together the multimedia exhibition which includes poetry highlighting the impact of FGM on survivors and girls at risk.

The work was originally created in 2019 and was due to be exhibited in 2020 when the pandemic struck.

Hannah Gloudon, from Savera UK Youth, said: “The pandemic saw schools close and leave many vulnerable young people at risk of FGM. Last year, UNICEF stated that two million additional cases of female genital mutilation are likely to occur over next decade due to COVID-19.

“It’s never been more vital for us to speak out against FGM and empower our peers to do the same.

“Education is key to meeting our aim of being the generation that eradicates harmful practices like FGM and we hope that our #EndFGM exhibition raises awareness and encourages other people to join us in speaking out.”

Savera UK Youth’s parent organisation, Savera UK, is a leading charity tackling culturally-specific abuse such as HBA, forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), by providing life-saving support to survivors and those at risk, and campaigning to eradicate the practice for good.

Savera UK’s helpline is 0800 107 0726 and is manned from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.