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News & Sports
“Sheriff of Nottingham to take
Zero-tolerance stance against
Female Genital Mutilation”
For immediate release:
The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Jackie Morris
is to show the commitment and passion of local
Nottingham communities by proposing a motion on
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at Nottingham City
Councils full Council on September 12 th .
Councillor Morris has been working closely with local
group Mojatu to highlight the issue in an attempt to
help end its practice in the City.
It is believed that over 60,000 women and young girls
are at risk of FGM in the UK alone and the Sheriff is
determined to tackle the practice:
“Female Genital Mutilation is something that people
think shouldn’t be talked about but that’s partly what
makes the practice continue” said the Sheriff.
She went on to say:
“That’s why I’ll be moving this motion, to make it
known that Nottingham is a Zero-tolerance City
when it comes to Female Genital Mutilation.”
Valentine Nkoyo, Director Mojatu Foundation and
Chair of the Nottingham Community FGM Steering
Group said:
“I am so thrilled with this news and grateful to our city
for taking such a strong stand and we believe that this
will keep the subject on the agenda. Survivors and the
community steering group have continued to work
hard to raise awareness and support those affected
so this is such wonderful news which will accelerate
our momentum in tackling FGM in Nottingham and
beyond. With about 200 new cases reported each
year in Nottingham only, it couldn’t have come at
a better time. I am glad that our Nottingham FGM
Ambassador, Sherriff of Nottingham, Cllr Jackie Morris
took on board our request and tabled the motion.
We are thankful to all our funders and partners for
their support and especially the Office of the Police
and Crime Commissioner, Nottingham Refugee
Forum, The City Council, Big Lottery Fund, Rosa Fund,
Nottingham Women Centre, City and County FGM
Strategy Board, Nottingham Trent University, The
University of Nottingham among others. This is worth
celebrating!”
Councillor Alex Norris, Portfolio Holder for Adults
and Health at Nottingham City Council is also firmly
behind the motion and its proposals and said:
“This motion represents a real step forward in
tackling FGM and helping support and empower
communities across our City. The step of supporting
the establishment of a referral pathway for the City
has the real potential to help change lives.”
Motion to full Council reads:
This Council notes that Female Genital Mutilation
represents a risk to physical health, mental health and
quality of life for young women across the whole of
the United Kingdom. It is believed over 60,000 people
are at risk of this abuse in this country alone.
The City Council stands against Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) and resolves to:
• Make Nottingham a “Zero Tolerance” City in
respect to Female Genital Mutilation.
• Work to end the procedure within the city
by working closely with survivors, affected
communities and other agencies with a
responsibility to safeguard and protect.
• Provide training for staff to help spot the signs
associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
• Work closely with grassroot organisations,
survivors and communities to prevent children
being removed from the city to experience Female
Genital Mutilation.
• Help support potential survivors of Female Genital
Mutilation to say no and raise awareness amongst
their peers and communities.
• Help with raising awareness and keep the subject
on the agenda while showcasing the successes of
Nottingham.
• Support the establishment of a referral pathway
for the City.
Notes to editors:
For more information please contact Nathan Oswin,
Political Assistant to the Labour Group at Nottingham
City Council on:
07880349362
[email protected]