A television programme about female welfare issues has inspired a new topic of discussion for the borough’s Conservative party.
The Cruel Cut was aired on Channel 4 earlier this month and highlighted the growing issue in the UK of the removal or partial removal of the female genitals.
After watching the thought-provoking programme, Enfield councillor Denise Headley, who represents Bush Hill Park ward, said she wanted to know how FGM was affecting women in Enfield.
And she has submitted a motion to the council to discuss this further.
She said: “For me, the programme was so haunting – as a person, as a woman, as a mother – and something needs to be done.
“As a local party member, I am deeply concerned about this and I would like to protect young girls and women from FGM and its long-term health risks.”
The motion will be discussed at Wednesday’s full council meeting.
Ms Headley said: “I contacted the Daughters of Eve organisation, which helps victims of FGM in the UK and was responsible for making the programme.
“I hoped they would read through the motion and amend it as they have more in-depth knowledge and experience with this issue.”
Currently, there is no record of how many women and girls have been a victim of FGM in Enfield.
Ms Headley said: “I went past a primary school recently and wondered how many of the little girls playing in the playground had suffered.
“There needs to be a collective investigation in maternity wards and sexual health clinics.
“Young girls need to be educated about this,” she added, “and the whole community needs to be aware of the dangers and health risks this cruel practice involves.”
An online petition to stop FGM is currently the UK’s second largest e-petition, attracting more than 85,000 signatures.