Mojatu FOundation's CEO talks to Provoke 15
Valentine Nkoyo, CEO of Mojatu Foundation had a discussion with Provoke 15 on issues ranging from gender to FGM. Here is the discussion.
Do you think FGM is a gender issue and if yes, why it isn’t more widely reported or prosecuted?
It’s an issue that many are not aware of, even professionals. But, yes, it is a gender issue. More work needs to be done around awareness raising and training. More needs to be done around supporting communities to report FGM, but also work needs to be done to make sure that other agencies and frontline professionals are sensitive and confident in how they support communities to help them feel able to report FGM.
FGM was classified as a serious crime in 2014. and now can take a passport aware to protect a child at risk. FGM is not an African problem only, when people move to new countries, they tend to move with their traditions and so FGM is affecting children in this country. It happens in the UK - but it stays hidden. White professionals might feel reluctant to act for fear of being seen as culturally insensitive. Also ignorance about what FGM is sometimes seen as the equivalent of male circumcision. FGM is not equivalent of circumcision amd it is removal of the living organ. We need to not see it as a cultural issue ,
it is a human rights issue and a form of child abuse. The fact that FGM has been happening for generations doesn’t make it right.
1. Who should be involved in tackling FGM, and why?
Everyone should be involved. It’s a very sensitive question so looked at how we could have that conversation. Also make sure we involve the men. Need good communication between the agencies and a more combined approach.
2. Who should be commissioning FGM services in Nottingham?
Education. You need to start getting
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'FGM is not an African problem'
There has to be an international level of challenge, changing practice in countries of origin.
More need for awareness raising in new and emerging communities – people moving to new countries are more likely to carry on traditions to retain identity.