A diverse group of women march through a city street holding Savera UK placards calling to end female genital mutilation and ‘honour’-based abuse. Signs include bold messages such as “END FGM” and “END HBA,” alongside tribute posters reading “We march for…” with illustrated portraits and names of victims. The crowd walks closely together, showing solidarity and collective action.

Why is FGM Awareness Essential for Safeguarding Professionals?

As part of Zero Tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) day, held Friday 6th February, we interviewed Dr Susan Waigwa, Savera UK trustee and board member, about her concerns regarding professionals’ awareness of FGM. 

Dr Waigwa is a qualified public health and social work professional with extensive expertise in both practice and research. Her research mainly focuses on subjects related to women’s health, such as menopause, childbirth-related trauma, domestic abuse, and harmful practices, including forced marriage and FGM/cutting. Susan has abundant skills and experience working with marginalised and minoritised communities both in the UK and abroad. 

Why are you a trustee for Savera UK? 

Having worked for years addressing ‘honour’-based abuse and harmful practices both in research and practice. I formed a good impression of Savera UK from the first time I heard about their work. Their ambitions, as outlined in their mission and vision, align closely with my own to end HBA and harmful practices. That is what motivated me to join as a trustee. 

What is the importance of a campaign to raise awareness of FGM for professionals in the UK? 

It is important to raise awareness of FGM for professionals in the UK because FGM is a harmful practice that has manifested in different forms over the decades. Historical and current data show that it affects many ethnic groups across the world, making it a global public health concern.

It is a violation of human rights and has long-lasting, detrimental impacts on those subjected to the harmful practice. Its indirect impact extends beyond victims and survivors, affecting their families, support networks and wider communities. 

UK professionals therefore require ongoing and structured engagement in FGM awareness training to keep up to date with prevalence, modes of practice, developments in safeguarding, care pathways and prevention strategies. 

Without continuous professional engagement, there’s a risk of outdated knowledge and weakened safeguarding responses, which may lead to missed opportunities to prevent FGM and protect those at risk.

Why do professionals stay silent even when they suspect risk, and how does that impact survivors? 

FGM continues to be avoided or approached with uncertainty by many professionals, and many still feel uncomfortable initiating and engaging with conversations about the subject. 

Some professionals fear that the severity of the practice may affect their own well-being, while others worry that intervening may be seen as interfering and judging an individual’s ‘culture’. Many others also feel that they lack the required information, skills or resources to offer the right help. 

This silence significantly limits survivors’ access to effective support. UK professionals must strengthen their confidence by utilising the available resources offered by specialist services like Savera UK. 

As the saying goes, “fear is a reaction, courage is decision”.

Thank you to Dr Susan Waigwa, for her powerful insights and encouragement to professionals to engage with the resources and training available to strengthen safeguarding against FGM.

 

Resource and training options: 

 

#EndFGM #ZeroToleranceForFGM #InvestToEndFGM #ItHappensHere