A revealing video was released at a special event to raise awareness of female genital mutilation in the Somali community.

The event in White City’s Woodlane Community Centre on June 27 was put on by west London charity, Good Efforts for Health and Wellbeing (GEHW) , and attracted members of the borough’s Somali community interested in finding out more about FGM and its consequences.

GEHW provides support to women seeking medical treatment for the effects of FGM, also known as female circumcision or cutting, which is particularly prevalent within the Somali community and often has devastating physical and mental consequences for its victims.

FGM involves all procedures that involve partial or complete removal of the external organs of the female genitalia for non-medicinal reasons. More than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 could be at risk of FGM in England and Wales each year, with over 60,000 having already experienced the procedure.

Approximately 97 per cent of women in Somalia undergo the procedure as children and it is estimated 15,272 Somali women aged between 15 and 49 in England and Wales have experienced FGM.

A new video from the NSPCC called Ending Female Genital Mutilation was shown at the event which addresses the harsh long-term health and emotional consequences of FGM through stories of survivors and advice from healthcare professionals and faith leaders.

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Sagal Osman, who organised the event, said: “The event was great as it involved a lot of grass roots debate about FGM. The talk was led by the community which is very important in changing attitudes. Many women attended from groups further away such as Acton and were very impressed and inspired to hold similar FGM awareness talks. The women have strong opinions about ending FGM and felt that the talk was both educational and demonstrated that there is a community of support available. On seeing the ‘Ending FGM’ short film many audience members wanted copies to help spread awareness.”

Liban Muse, of the Lido Foundation which aims to improve the quality of life in the borough, added: “We hope to have more events and further community involvement, so we can share the message that any involvement in FGM is illegal and also raise awareness of the negative health implications. This will help to convince the community that ending FGM will benefit them. A lot of people also mix up FGM with religious obligation when it is not mentioned in any religious text.”

For free advice, or to report FGM, call the anonymous NSPCC FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550, e-mail  fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk  or visit nspcc.org.uk/fgm