Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
Care, dignity, and the right to be safe
Female Genital Mutilation is a subject that requires gentleness. It sits at the intersection of pain, tradition, silence, and survival, and it affects women and girls long after the moment it takes place. On 6 February, attention turns to FGM not to shock or judge, but to acknowledge those who live with its impact and to reaffirm that no form of harm to women’s bodies is acceptable.
For many survivors, FGM is not something that belongs only to childhood or the past. Its effects can shape physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and confidence for years. It can influence how safe a woman feels in her own body and how comfortable she is seeking medical care or speaking openly about her experiences.
Speaking with care, not judgement
Conversations around FGM are often surrounded by fear — fear of stigma, fear of community rejection, fear of being misunderstood. Many women are taught that silence is protective and that questioning harmful practices brings shame.
At Anah Project, these conversations are approached with care. Zero tolerance does not mean blame. It means recognising harm while holding space for women’s lived realities. It means listening carefully, respecting cultural identity, and supporting women without pressure or expectation.
The weight carried by survivors
FGM is often rooted in control over women’s bodies, but its emotional impact can be just as heavy as its physical consequences. Some survivors carry trauma quietly. Others live with anxiety, grief, or the burden of being expected to continue the practice with their daughters, even when it conflicts with their own beliefs.
Black and minoritised women may face additional barriers when seeking support, including language difficulties, mistrust of services, or fear of being judged. These barriers can deepen isolation, making compassionate, culturally sensitive support essential.
Care as a pathway to change
Lasting change grows through care, trust, and understanding. While laws and safeguarding measures play an important role, they are most effective when paired with education and community-led conversations that centre women’s experiences.
Women are more likely to seek help when they feel safe, believed, and respected. Change happens when professionals take time to listen, when services understand cultural contexts, and when survivors are supported without being rushed or questioned. Care creates space for reflection, for learning, and for choosing a different future.
Prevention also begins with honest conversations that are accessible and supportive. When women are given information about their rights and supported to protect their daughters, they are better able to challenge harmful expectations without fear or isolation. Over time, these conversations help shift attitudes and break cycles of harm.
Standing alongside women
On this day, space is held for survivors and their strength is honoured. Recognition is also given to those working within families and communities to protect future generations with courage and compassion.
Anah Project remains committed to offering trauma-informed, culturally sensitive support to Black and minoritised women affected by harmful practices, including FGM. Every woman deserves safety, dignity, and the freedom to make choices about her own body.
