End FGM Project Conference
On Thursday 29th June, together with the Ealing Council Health Improvement Team, Hoda Ali hosted a celebratory conference for the END FGM Project, funded by John Lyon's Charity.
It was an opportunity to engage with a diverse audience of policy makers, NGOs, healthcare professionals, community leaders and teachers; the conference brought together activists, all passionate about ending VAWG and FGM/C. We were joined by local and nation-wide charities such as Lasting Support Services, IKWRO, Women of Grace, FORWARD and The Vavengers.
Developed from a lack of data and a dire need for knowledge and understanding, the project focused on a community led approach to ending FGM/C in primary schools by engaging with staff, parents, pupils, and community members.
6 Years on, the conference brought together the incredible team that created this project and the community that was involved, reflecting on the work that has been achieved, and all the work that is yet to be done.
Hoda Ali, co-founder of The Vavengers, and Project Lead and Facilitator of the END FGM Project, opened the conference and welcomed everyone to this celebratory space. As a survivor and activist, Hoda is as inspiring as she is passionate about educating the next generation and preventing any more girls being cut.
We were honoured to be joined by Julie Lewis (left, middle), Director of Learning, Standards and School Partnerships, who spoke about the incredible impact of the project, both on staff members and parents, many of whom knew little about FGM/C and now feel confident and equipped in their knowledge. Councillor Aysha Raza (below, left) also joined us, an incredible advocate for VAWG in Ealing, told us how integral this project is for change.
Karen Gibson (right, right), a co-founding member of the project, retold the story of how the project came about, and how as a mother of two girls, she knew it was something she wanted to be part of. She highlighted John Lyon Charity’s funding and their amazing support throughout this project. Sian and Sarah, (previously at Perivale Primary) spoke about being the first school to host this project and how the project came to life in their school.
We learnt that over the past five years, in over 30 schools, just under 5000 staff and parents have attended workshops on FGM/C and safeguarding, learning everything about the topic; from the law and reporting methods, to the signs children might show when they might be or already have been subjected to FGM/C.
Children from local schools who took part in the project made a wonderful appearance at the conference. One particular boy, pupil of John Perryn Primary School, proudly stood in front of the microphone and spoke about ending FGM and standing alongside his peers and friends and reminded us that we all need to do better to end FGM/C. The PANTS rule was performed and so were the Rights of Children, all important aspects of the school curriculum.
We were joined by Leyla Hussein who dialled in from Kenya, who spoke about the effect of FGM on mental health in children, and reminded us that language is important: FGM is a violation of human rights, it is child abuse and ‘perpetrators’ are criminals - nothing less.
Sema spoke vulnerably and honestly about her own childhood, that support would have been so beneficial to her and her family, had teachers seen the signs of modern day slavery, child marriage and abusive households. Now CEO of The Vavengers, Sema advocates for social justice and is on many government boards. She highlighted the work of charities, and the need for school projects to prevent and lessen the impact of generational trauma.
We were also joined by Ealing Councillor Hodan Haili who retold the story of a tragic incident, a story that changed the course of her life and after which she made sure that she would dedicate her work to VAWG.
Our two last speakers are integral within their communities: Huda Mohamed is a Gold Chief Midwifery Officer at Whittington NHS Trust Hospital. She spoke about the medical complications that FGM/C causes and the importance of parents and teachers being able to recognise and understand signs of a girl being pressure into being subjected to FGM/C. Warda Mohamed, Co-Founder and CEO of Lasting Support Services spoke about training available to schools and young people.
We ended the conference by speaking about the next steps of the project, what to expect from the next few years. Faye introduced the rebranded project, which will be created by working closely with the Ealing Health Improvement Team to support the school curriculum and essential learning. The rebrand includes a week-long programme to support parents in their busy schedules. By dedicating one week in the school year to learn about safeguarding their children, will not only generate a higher turnout, parents will also feel empowered to speak and share the message in the way that they receive this information. The programme will also include other forms of violence that is usually seen together with FGM/C including trafficking, modern slavery, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and discrimination. Below is a show of some children’s work from lessons that Hoda teaches Years 3-6, all feeling inspired and empowered to fight for girls and a feminist future.
The day was filled with activism, support and hope for further impact; a day to remember!
