‘RCM launches series of short animations on FGM and calls on each UK Government to act now to end FGM in the by UK 2030’
By RCM on 11 September 2017 FGM - Female Genital Mutilation Government RCOG - Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists RCGP - Royal College of GPs
Later today (Tuesday September 12th) the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) will officially launch a series of animated films on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
The short powerful animated films have been developed by the RCM in collaboration with The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), The Royal College General Practitioners (RCGP), survivors of FGM, NGOs and a variety local community partners.
Instrumentally the RCM and its partners worked closely with FGM survivors to ensure the authenticity of the stories being told via the animations remained true to the realities of surviving FGM.
The films are not only aimed at creating awareness around the health and consequences of FGM, but also hope to cut through much of the inaccurate and misleading information circulating in the public sphere about FGM.
Importantly, each of the FGM animations ends with a ‘call to act’ on each UK Government.
The call to action includes the following;
- To develop, implement, monitor and evaluate a National FGM Action Plan with the goal of ending FGM in the UK by 2030.
- A commitment by all government agencies to end FGM, support survivors and share information to keep women and girls safe.
- Provide accessible specialist health and psychological care and support services in community settings for survivors and potential victims of all age groups.
- Education and training for the children's workforce in their role and responsibilities for safeguarding girls and young women.
Commenting, Janet Fyle Professional Policy Advisor at the RCM says; “We are incredibly proud of these animated films and the collaborative work with survivors and partner organisations that has happened to make these FGM animations a reality.
“The purpose of these animations is to create awareness of the consequences of FGM through the words of survivors and by doing so we hope to empower girls, women and men to stand up against FGM and seek protection for themselves, their family and friends.
“The scripts for each short animation were derived from the survivors themselves, who spoke emotively of the impact FGM has had on their current physical and psychological health as well as relationships.
“Each short film concludes with a call to UK Governments to act now to End FGM. The RCM and its partners now wish to see a commitment by all UK Governments to run strategically timed evidence-based public awareness campaign, in partnership with survivors to raise awareness.
“If we are to change hearts and minds in FGM practising communities we must do this through education for young people, their families and influential community leaders.”
Professor Janice Rymer, Consultant Gynaecologist and Vice President for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, says:
“The harmful effects of FGM on girls and women can be extremely devastating, as these powerful and highly emotive videos illustrate. There are no health benefits of FGM whatsoever and the practice is an extreme form of discrimination and violence against girls and women.
“By giving a voice to the girls and women affected, we hope to raise awareness of the tragic consequences of this form of abuse and ultimately to empower practicing communities to abandon FGM.
“We also call on the UK Government to take further measures to bring about much needed change. While prevention is absolutely crucial, it is also vitally important to focus on providing specialist care and support for girls and women who have experienced FGM.”
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "FGM is an abhorrent crime that causes huge physical and psychological distress to women and girls around the world - including in the UK.
"It's essential that we get the message out - across health, education, and society as a whole - that FGM is not, under any circumstances acceptable, and we hope that these videos, endorsed by the RCGP, will go some way to achieve that."
Notes to editors
The FGM short animations will be available to view from 16:00 on Tuesday September 12th on the #EndFGM YouTube Channel via this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm0Wy-DIID8
#EndFGM
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The FGM film will be formally launched at The House of Commons in an event jointly hosted by MPs Jess Philips and Zac Goldsmith who are co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on FGM. Date: Tuesday September 12th
Time: 4pm
Ends
To contact the RCM Press Office call 020 7312 3456, or email pressofficer@rcm.org.uk.
The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.