A research project aimed at enhancing communication about female genital mutilation (FGM) in educational and campaign materials across the West Midlands was launched at a conference this month.
The project will bring together multi-sector experts, including those from NHS Birmingham and Solihull, to explore and improve the language that is used to discuss FGM, which is a persistent and harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia.
The research was launched at a conference to mark International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (#Unite2EndFGM) on 6 February.
The West Midlands has one of the highest prevalences of FGM outside London, with about 12-16 per 1,000 women experiencing FGM in their lifetime.
Jeannette Littlemore, Professor of Linguistics and Communication at the University of Birmingham, who is leading the research, said it was a national requirement that FGM be covered in schools.
But she said, despite increasing recognition of the importance of language used, there was a dearth of research.
‘In FGM research, there has been increasing recognition of the importance of using language that lands well with its recipients. However, very few studies have explored the language used in educational settings and campaigns relating to FGM and the impact it has on recipients.
‘We must know what works and what doesn’t so that government and organisations can create impactful communications to empower their recipients to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions that will lead to the eradication of FGM,’ said Prof Littlemore.
Helen Kelly, chief nursing officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, said it was important to ensure staff were ‘well-informed on how to discuss FGM with our communities and provide appropriate care for those affected or at risk’.
She added that the best way to achieve that was to work in collaboration with partners.
As well as launching the research, the conference included keynote speeches from FGM survivor Aissa Edon, Jess Philips, MP for Birmingham Yardley and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, and Cllr Nicky Brennan, Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities.
