Stand up to female genital mutilation (FGM) and spread the message with Hounslow Council and charity FORWARD on Saturday (February 6).
People in Hounslow are being urged to join the council and the leading anti-FGM organisation to mark International Day of Zero Tolerance against FGM at Isleworth Public Hall.
The free event will give people a chance to find out what’s being done locally to tackle FGM, women most likely to be at risk, and how people can get involved in raising awareness of the issue and the fight to erase it from society.
There will be speeches, live music and free food and drink at the event which runs from 4pm to 7pm.
READ MORE:March planned as London's only under-18s FGM clinic closes.
Councillor Sue Sampson, Hounslow council’s cabinet member for communities, recently launched a weekly drop-in service for victims of gender based violence to seek help , in Hounslow.
She said: “I urge residents from across the borough to join us on Saturday for this event.
“The more we make everyone aware that this illegal practice is going on, the more we can do to tackle it.
“FGM is acknowledged in the UK as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It has been a taboo subject, hidden from general society, for far too long.
“With more public awareness, with events like this, we can make sure that it won’t remain hidden any longer and we can end it happening in all cultures for good.”
READ MORE:More than 750 reports of FGM in London in three months.
Last year, Hounslow council became a 'White Ribbon' borough, and together with FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development), who are funded by the council to raise awareness of and prevent FGM, hosted the first Hounslow Against FGM Community event.
The event takes place at Isleworth Public Hall, South Street, TW7 7BG, from 4pm to 7pm on Saturday (February 6).
