BBC Politics London hosts our CEO Sema Gornall to discuss the prevalence of FGM/C

BBC Politics London Samantha Simmonds covers the re-run story of our Co-founder and survivor of FGM/C Hoda Ali with FGM Specialist Midwife Huda Mohamed MBE being interviewed by Frankie McCamley earlier this week. Our CEO Sema Gornall was at BBC Politics London studio commenting on Frankie’s coverage while highlighting issues facing women and girls in the UK, particularly focusing on the lack of data collection on FGM/C. Alongside Sema, Samantha also hosted Conservative Party MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers and Labour Party MP for Eltham Clive Efford to get their opinion on issues facing survivors of FGM/C in the UK.

Both MPs highlighted their concerns on the prevalence of the FGM/C, Clive Efford MP said: “Our borough has been identified as having a high number of people at risk and it’s shocking to hear what Sema is saying and how widespread it is, I am learning more about it just listening to her today and I felt reasonably well informed about what’s going on and that is really alarming. Sema is right to be asking those in the position to do so ask the right question so we can learn more about what’s going on.”

Theresa Villiers MP said: “It’s the worst possible form of violence against women and abuse that you could really imagine. I am sure there is more work to do, we did legislation in 2015 to give more help to survivors with protection orders issued and a mandatory reporting requirement. But clearly listening to Sema it makes me absolutely convinced that we need to have a strong focus on those diaspora communities in London with these links to countries where this practice is prevalent to do everything we can to protect young women and girls.”

Credit: BBC Politics London