Department for Communities and Local Government
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Funding for frontline projects in fight to end female genital mutilation

Communities Minister announces 17 projects to receive a share of £270,000 to help end FGM by creating a network of community champions.

Communities Minister Stephen Williams recently (5 December 2014) announced the names of 17 frontline community projects that will receive a share of £270,000 to help end female genital mutilation (FGM) and ‘honour’ based violence by creating a network of community champions.

The recent funding demonstrates the government’s continued resolve to tackle these behaviours and practices and follows the pledge made at the recent International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women of a further £10 million to support women’s refuges in 100 areas across the country.

Projects supported across England

The money has been awarded to projects in those areas with greatest need. This is in line with recently published data from NHS hospitals showing there to be 3 times the number of reported cases of FGM in London, compared to the rest of the country. More than 70 groups applied for funding and in addition to successful bids received from London, projects in Birmingham, Bolton, Bradford, Bristol, Essex, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham and Rotherham will also be funded.

Communities Minister Stephen Williams said:

I first became aware of female genital mutilation when a teacher came to one of my MP surgeries and I was introduced to a group of girls who had decided to campaign against FGM. I was horrified at what I heard about this deeply embedded cultural practice. This practice has no medical benefits; indeed it results in great pain and distress as well as causing medical complications during child birth.

That’s why I am proud that this government is making good on its pledge at the International Girl Summit to invest in these valuable projects, which will change hearts and minds in local communities, train frontline workers and help bring an end to this terrible practice.

Click here for full press release

 

Channel website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-levelling-up-housing-and-communities

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