Joint approach to tackle female genital mutilation in Milton Keynes
In January, a six-month community led pilot project named ‘Be Bold’ began, engaging in targeted work with local communities to try and promote zero tolerance to FGM.
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Hide AdKey outcomes of the project included establishing a local network of community parent and youth champions and a peer led support group to support change within communities, by communities, and gaining a closer understanding of the health needs of those affected by female genital mutilation.
Councillor Zoe Nolan, Milton Keynes Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “This practice leaves young women – many of them children – disfigured for life, permanently scarred emotionally as well as physically.
“This practice is largely driven by fear of being ostracised, and a key to this is helping to enable people – working within their own communities – to say to their friends and relatives ‘this isn’t right’.”