A conference looking at how to put education at the forefront of a campaign to eradicate female genital mutilation is taking place in Leicester today.
The event has been organised by an FGM survivor who says more than 20 thousand girls under the age of 15 will be at risk of FGM this year.
This year, more than 20,000 girls under the age of 15 will be at risk of genital mutilation in the UK.
The controversial practice, which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia, has affected more than 66,000 British women.
Contributors will discuss the medical and psychological impact of FGM, prevention, raising awareness and also look to understand the different cultural and religious cause of FGM.
The event hopes to build on discussions raised at a previous conference held in 2011.
‘We believe that education is the way forward to eradicate FGM.
Therefore, in this event we are also launching an educational package for both professionals and communities alike’
– Sadiyo Siad, FGM survivor, activist and campaigner